Attachments
TANNA VOLCANO
19°32’0”S 169°26’30”E Summit 1184ft (361m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Yasur volcano is continuing in the major unrest state. Yasur Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Major volcanic unrest at Yasur continues and confined inside the volcanic crater. New field observations and data analysis confirmed that Yasur volcano condition at this major unrest state remain unstable. Its volcanic activity is likely to continue at this similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2. The danger zone for life safety remain limited at 600 m radius from eruptive vents inside Yasur crater.
Recent field observation photos via webcam showed that Yasur volcanic activity consists of ongoing explosions with steam and/or gases and/or ash emissions from eruptive vents. Satellite images of the past days confirmed evidence of minor to moderate volcanic degassing and low to moderate thermal anomalies at Yasur. Presence of thermal anomalies shows the exposure of magma at the earth surface. Analysis of seismic data confirmed the Yasur ongoing major volcanic unrest activity and some explosions remain strong. Volcanic bombs may fall in and/or around the crater rim. With this activity, volcanic hazards remain inside the crater and/or around the caldera.
Yasur volcanic alert level has been at the Level 2 since 18th October 2016. The current observations are consistent with the Alert Level 2 activity. Level 2 indicates “Major Unrest. The danger zone for life safety remain at the Danger Zone A which is about 600 m radius from the eruptive vents”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warnings.
All tourism agencies, visitors, local authorities, people in Tanna Island and general public are reminded that danger area for life safety remains at the Danger Zone A (See Yasur caldera safety map below) which is about 600 m radius from eruptive vents due to volcanic projectiles, ashes and gases presence in this zone. Yasur visitors will continue to expect volcanic projectiles, gas and ashes while approaching the crater. Volcanic ash fall and acid rain will continue to be expected by villages located in and around the caldera especially those exposed to prevailing trade winds when the volcanic cloud reaches few kilometers in height. Yasur volcano safety map, visitors Fact sheet and information about volcanic hazards are available at the link below:
www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources .
The Department of Meteorology and Geohazards will continue to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.