Transcript
ESLINE GARAEBITI: It was a small scale eruption. It happened at a time when the wind was very weak so the ash plume went up quite high and was emitting ash until now.
KORO VAKA'UTA: Have there been eruptions like this recently or is this the biggest one since how long?
EG: There was a typical eruption before but the difference with this one was it occurred at a time when the wind was very weak so the ash plume went very high. We estimate around 20,000 feet.
KV: Has there had to be any precautions on the island because of this?
EG: The people around the island will expect the continuing ash fall but also the ash immobilisation from what has already fallen and of course other impacts like mud flows if rain starts to rain again.
KV: Do we know how long this will go on for?
EG: That is something that we cannot say. More weeks or months to come is unknown. The only thing that we know is that the activity is in there. What we have seen in the reports is that it is not going to stop soon but for how long, exact time, we do not know.
KV: The latest eruption is continuing?
EG: The eruption of Ambae volcano started on the 21st of June. Ambae eruption started in September 2017. The eruption is happening in phases and there are three phases so when it happens there are some periods of stop in between the phases and now we are entering another phase of eruptions since 21st of June. So the volcano is unstable. Any time we will expect this kind of eruption.
KV: But there is no way to quantify the length of time these phases go, it's unpredictable?
EG: Yes. It's unpredictable. All we know is that the system is unstable and at any time we will expect this type of eruption and according to the recording that we have, assessment data that we are recording on that island, the activity is still ongoing.
KV: What is the latest advice from the Department of Geohazards?
EG: The information that we put out is that people in Ambae will continue to expect ash fall, especially in the areas that are exposed to tradewinds, but in times where the wind is very weak we will expect that most areas around the island will receive the ash. There is also advice to the surrounding islands. The islands in the Northwest direction and also the islands in the Eastern direction. Those also received ash fall from yesterday's [Monday's] eruption as well. The advice that we are saying is that they will continue to expect it. The exclusion zone for life safety is still remaining within two kilometre of the vent and that people should read the advice, the key messages that we have issued.
