Attachments
AMBAE VOLCANO
15°24’0”S 167°50’0”E Summit 4908ft (1496m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level:** Level 2**
Manaro Vui volcano is continuing in the major unrest state. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Manaro Vui volcanic activity is continuing in the major level of unrest, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Observations from satellite data confirmed ongoing steam and gas emissions on the active vent. The Volcanic Alert level remain at Level 2.
With the ongoing volcanic activity and the associated hazards such as lava flow, gas emissions and ash fall, the danger zone at the summit remains at the Danger Zone A (See Ambae caldera safety map below) which is about 2 km radius from the active vent. A reminder on persistent threat within areas of flowing creeks during heavy rain (e.g., remobilization of remaining ash and debris).
It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings.
Manaro Vui volcano has remained at Volcanic Alert Level 2 since the 27th of December 2021. At this alert level, the risk for visitors accessing areas from the crater lakes and the caldera is low. Given the unpredictable character of volcanoes all tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Ambae and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards as well as the danger zone limit.
More information about the volcanic hazards and the Ambae volcano key messages can be found on the website: http://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources
Manaro Vui volcano is a very large volcano and is frequently active. A large-scale eruption about 400 years ago built a volcanic cone in the summit crater and that crater is now filled by Lake Voui; however, the modern active vent area is now within the volcanic cone that grew and remained since December 2021. Historic activity is poorly known, but there is documented activity in 1530, 1670, 1870, 1915 and 1966. All documented activity has been from the summit crater (Lake Vui) except for the 1670 activity, which included a flank eruption producing lava flows at Ndui Ndui. The 2017-2018 eruption episode started in 1991, with eruptions in 1995, 2005, 2016 leading to the 2017-2018 activity. The latest episodes of major unrest began in 2021 when the active cone built up exposing the vent from the lake water. Hence, Manaro Vui is considered an open vent volcano with the last increased activity in January 2023 producing a lava flow to the north of the active cone.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor Manaro Vui volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.