Vanuatu: Ambae Island residents evacuated after Mount Monaro erupts Sep. 26

Event

Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office announced the evacuation of over 6000 Ambae Island residents from areas around the Mount Manaro volcano after it erupted on Tuesday, September 26. The Meteorology and Geohazards Department has issued an alert for villagers within 6.5 km (4 mi) of the volcano, who face a significant risk from airborne rocks and volcanic gas.  Residents to the north and south of the volcano are reportedly at the greatest risk in the event of further volcanic activity. According to the director of the National Disaster Management Office, Shadrack Welegtabit, ash, fire, stones, and lava have all been seen coming out of the mouth of Mount Manaro. Welegtabit said that it is unclear if there will be a major eruption, but the evacuations are ongoing as a precaution.

Context

According to media sources, Manaro has been active since 2005, when it last erupted. Officials raised the volcano’s activity level to Level 4 (the second-highest) over the weekend.

Vanuatu is located in an active seismic belt known as the Pacific Ring of Fire and frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).