Evacuations continue as Ambae volcano rumbles

Women and children on Ambae at the airport to farewell the sick and elderly. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins

Vanuatu police assisting locals on Ambae with the medivac of a sick person. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins

The volcano on Ambae belching smoke and ash. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins

A runway on the western side of Ambae disappears into the sea off a cliff. Planes can only land and take off one way. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins

Although they would have loved to these little ones were too healthy for the plane ride, they are leaving Ambae by boat with their parents. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins

Vanuatu police commissioner Albert Nalpini said keeping people off Ambae will be a challenge. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins

From the air boats can be clearly seen steaming back and forth from Ambae ferrying people to safety. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins