Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Hundreds evacuated as Vanuatu volcano erupts

Updated at 3:50 pm on 30 November 2009

Hundreds of people living in the ash plume of an erupting volcano in Vanuatu are to be evacuated by the middle of this week.

The National Disaster Management Office says about 200 people have been moved from the west to the east of the island since last Thursday, and another 150 people should be moved by Wednesday.

The gas and ashfall from Mt Garet on the island of Gaua could cause respiratory problems, diarrhoea, sore throats and eyes, and skin irritation.

The authorities say the evacuees are staying with relatives, but if the volcanic activity is prolonged they will have to consider other options.

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