Vanuatu: Volcanic alert level raised on Gaua island

Event

On January 31, Vanuatu’s Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department issued this year’s first bulletin regarding the activity of the archipelago’s six monitored volcanoes. The alert level for the Gaua volcano was raised from level 1 to 2, after intensified activity was recorded in December 2017 and January 2018. The alert level for the Vanua Lava volcano, which continues to show signs of unrest, remains at level 1, while the Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi, and Tanna volcanoes - all in the “major unrest” state - remain at level 2.

Context

The Vanuatu Volcanic Alert Level (VVAL) has five tiers, ranging from level 1 (signs of volcanic unrest) to level 5 (very large eruption).

The Ambae volcano (Mount Marano) erupted in September 2017, prompting authorities to order an unprecedented evacuation of the entire island.

Vanuatu is located in an active seismic belt known as the Pacific Ring of Fire and frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, register with your local embassy if possible, and follow any evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.