Vanuatu: Ambae volcano prompts state of emergency, evacuations April 12-13 /update 1

Event

Increased volcanic activity has been registered in recent days at Mount Manaro Voui on Ambae, prompting the ni-Vanuatu Council of Ministers to declare a state of emergency on the island on Thursday, April 12. As of Friday, April 13, authorities are planning a mass evacuation of people from Ambae (numbering in the thousands), most likely to the nearby islands of Maewo and Pentecost, as the volume of recent ashfall has reportedly rendered the island effectively uninhabitable. Blocked roads and air transportation disruptions are likely in areas affected by falling ash.

Context

Manaro Voui's last significant eruption was in September 2017, when it prompted the evacuation of the island's approximately 11,000 people. In general, the volcano has exhibited increased volcanic activity since 2005. Notably, Manaro Voui erupted in 1966, 2005, and 2017.

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 on Ambae are advised to monitor local media coverage, be prepared for further volcanic activity, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.