4 Sep 2017

Danger zone around Vanuatu volcano could be increased

From , 5:02 am on 4 September 2017

Authorities in Vanuatu say they could increase the danger zone around volcanoes on Ambrym if the drastic change in their activity continues.

Yesterday the alert level for the Ambrym volcanoes was increased from 2 to 3 for the first time since they last erupted in the 1940s and 50s.

No-go-zones have been declared for two and three kilometres around the active craters of Benbow and Marum respectively.

The manager of the Vanuatu geohazards department Eslin Bule told Koroi Hawkins it is very important that local communities, visitors and travel agencies adhere to the warnings to avoid being struck by volcanic projectiles or being exposed to volcanic gases, ash and other potential hazards.

The danger zones around the Ambrym Volcano on the 30th of August 2017.

The danger zones around the Ambrym Volcano on the 30th of August 2017. Photo: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department