Volcanic ash from Ambae volcano, Vanuatu, was reported at 4 300 m (14 000 feet) above sea level on March 1, 2026. Authorities keep the volcano at Alert Level 3, with activity confined to the summit caldera and hazards limited to a 3 km (1.9 miles) exclusion zone. The ash cloud was observed moving southeast at approximately 28 km/h (17 mph).
Low-level eruptive activity resumed at Ambae volcano (Manaro Voui) in Vanuatu, with intermittent ash emissions observed since December 1, 2025. Satellite imagery from Himawari-9 confirmed continuous low-level ash and gas plumes reaching up to 1.8 km (6 000 feet) above sea level, drifting northwest. The Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) issued its latest advisory on December 4, describing the eruption as continuous but confined within the volcano’s summit area.
A small, low-level eruption was detected at Mathew Island, Vanuatu Volcanic Arc at 21:50 UTC on July 15, 2024.
The Ambrym volcano in Vanuatu has transitioned from minor unrest to a minor eruption state over the weekend, leading authorities to raise the Volcanic Alert Level from 1 to 3 on January 14, 2024. The eruption is occurring inside the Benbow crater, with a designated Danger Zone B extending approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) around Benbow and 4 km (2.4 miles) around Marum craters.
The Yasur volcano on Tanna Island, Vanuatu is experiencing a sustained high activity level, with recent satellite data revealing significant gas and ash emissions. Powerful eruptions ejecting rocks and volcanic bombs have been reported, posing serious risks to the local populace and visitors.
Vanuatu’s Yasur volcano experienced increased activity on September 12, 2023, with intense explosions and abundant ash emissions. The Alert Level remains at 2 of 4.
A small eruption took place at Vanuatu’s Yasur volcano at 06:09 UTC on April 4, 2023. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 since October 28, 2016.
A submarine volcano located near the island of Epi in Vanuatu started erupting at 18:30 UTC on January 31, 2023, prompting authorities to raise the Volcano Alert Level to 1 and establish a 10 km (6.2 miles) danger zone. This marks the first eruption of the volcano since 2004 (VEI 2).
A strong heavy sound of an explosion was heard by people living near Gaua volcano, Vanuatu on May 3, 2022, followed by a significant thick ash plume. The volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 – high level of the major unrest state. The last known eruption of this volcano took place in 2011 (VEI 1).
Activity at Ambrym volcano in Vanuatu has increased from the minor unrest state to the major unrest state on January 25, 2022. Consequently, the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) has raised the Volcanic Alert Level from Level 1 to Level 2. New…
