Photo: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department
Vanuatu's geohazards department says the Ambae and Ambrym volcanoes remain at alert level 2.
Level 2 indicates "major unrest".
For Ambae, the unrest is confined to Lake Voui, while on Ambrym, the unrest remains confined inside Benbow and Marum craters.
"With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warnings," the department said.
Ambae has been at alert level 2 since December 2021.
All tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Ambae and the general public are strongly reminded that the danger zone at the summit area remains at the Danger Zone A on the map, which is approximately a two-kilometre radius from active vents.
"This area is hazardous due to the presence of gas and other volcanic risks related to its activity," the department said.
"Acid rain can be expected at the summit area and nearby villages, especially those exposed to prevailing trade winds when the volcanic cloud reaches a few kilometres in height.
"The streams on the island of Ambae pose a danger during heavy rains due to residual ash from the 2017-2018 eruption, which can lead to abnormal water flows."
People of Ambae and neighboring islands can expect to see volcanic cloud at the summit of Ambae Island.
Photo: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department
Ambrym has been at alert level 2 since January 2024.
People are strongly reminded not to access the Permanent Exclusion Zone - which is about 1km radius inside Benbow crater - and the Danger Zone A on the map, which is about 2km radius around Marum crater (including Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu) due to risk related to its volcanic activity.
The department said major cracks in areas around Benbow and Marum craters could collapse anytime.
"Danger is also present at the major crack at the south-east of Ambrym, and communities from south-cast Ambrym are advised not to access these major cracks in that area."
The department said it continues to closely monitor the activity.
