Attachments
TANNA VOLCANO
19°32’0”S 169°26’30”E Summit 1184ft (361m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Yasur volcano activity has now increased in the major unrest state. The volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 .
New observations on the ground suggest that the Yasur volcanic activity emits plumes of ash and volcanic gases. With this current activity which consist of volcanic ash emissions from eruptive vents and presence of volcanic gases around the summit crater, the danger zone has increased to 600 meter around the volcanic cone. The danger zone for life safety is limited in the Danger Zone A (See Yasur caldera safety map below).
Analysis of the latest Yasur seismic data from the volcano monitoring system confirms this increase in activity of the Yasur volcano at the major unrest state. The activity consists of ongoing explosions and emissions of ash plumes and volcanic gases. Some explosions remains intensified and volcanic projectiles or bombs may fall in and/or around the summit crater.
The Yasur Volcanic Alert Level (VAL) has been at the Level 2 since 18th October 2016. The current observations are consistent with the activity of the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Level 2 indicates ‘ Major level of unrest; Danger zone is now at 600 m around the volcanic cone ’. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warning.
Yasur is well best known and most frequently visited of the Vanuatu volcanoes. It has been in more-or-less continuous Strombolian activity since Captain Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774. This type of activity may have continued since ages. The active cone is largely contained within the small Yenkahe caldera, and is one of the youngest Holocenes volcano (11 700 years to present) of Vanuatu.
Advice to all tourism agencies, visitors, local authorities, people from Tanna Island and general public that with this current activity and emissions of ash plumes and the presence of volcanic gases around the crater, the danger zone (Danger Zone A) has increased to 600 meter around the volcanic cone. The level of risk for visitors accessing areas within this Danger Zone A is currently high. This means that visitors must not access areas around the crater rim towards the parking area. Villages located close to the volcano may continue to expect ash falls and volcanic gases impact, especially those exposed to wind direction.
More information about the volcanic hazards can be found on the website:
www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources.
The Department of Meteorology and Geohazards will continue to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.