The center of Tropical Cyclone “Lola” approached the islands of Maewo, Pentecost, and Ambae in Vanuatu at around 12:00 UTC on October 24, 2023, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). A Red Alert is now in effect for Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, and Shefa, and a Blue alert for Tafea Province.
Tropical Cyclone “Lola” formed on October 21, 2023, as the first named storm of the 2023/24 South Pacific cyclone season. It formed 10 days before the official start of the season. The cyclone is intensifying as it moves south toward Vanuatu.
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.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Vanuatu at 14:40 UTC on September 28, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 127.5 km (79 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 126 km (78 miles).
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Vanuatu at 21:11 UTC on September 21, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 188 km (117 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
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 strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit Vanuatu at 12:47 UTC on August 16, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 193 km (119 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Vanuatu at 12:44 UTC on July 26, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 41 km (25.5 miles).
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 strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Solomon Islands at 22:19 UTC on March 27, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 86 km (53 miles).
