GAUA VOLCANO 
14°16’0”S 167°30’0”E Summit 2615ft (797m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2

 

The volcanic activity on Gaua has changed significantly during the month of January. More gas has been emitted since 16 January, followed by multiple explosions with thicker and darker ashplume. This plume of ash and gas was being expelled to about more than 3000 meters high and carried by the wind to surrounding villages in the south and west. Strong strombolian activity was evident on the 24th of January 2010 as villagers were able to observe its projections. These signs indicate that the level of magma is rising. Very strong explosions have been heard and seen from the coastal villages of East Gaua this morning, January 29th 2010.

Due to the current activity, the level of water and the rate of river flow from the waterfall and outlets were observed to have risen from 20 to 30cm since January 22nd. This occurrence is possibly due to the disturbance within the Lake Letas which is feeding the river due to the rising activity. Water from water thanks in the eastern coast is becoming acid from the acid rains. This means that there can be greater threats posed given the occurrence of volcanic explosions. During such powerful explosions, there are high expectancies and risks of volcanic projectiles in Zone 1, the risks of ash falls and gas in the Zone 2 and Zone 4 and the risk of mudflow or lahars in the Zone 3 (see fig.3).

The current volcano alert is set at Level 2, but the activity is still increasing with the possibility to reach higher Level on the Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level (VVAL).
Visitors are advised to be aware of the danger and avoid approaching the volcano until further notice. Closer monitoring is recommended.