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Vanuatu Volcanic Alert Level (VVAL)
| Lvl.0 | Normal low-level activity |
| Lvl.1 | Increased activity, danger near crater only |
| Lvl.2 | Moderate eruptions, danger close to the volcano vent, within parts of Volcanic Hazards Map Red Zone |
| Lvl.3 | Large eruption, danger in specific areas within parts of Volcanic Hazards Map Red and Yellow Zones |
| Lvl.4 | Very large eruption, island-wide danger (including areas within Red, Yellow and Green Zones) |
Daily OMI satellite picture
Daily Vanuatu SO2 Coverage
(In partnership with GNS Science, NZ)
09/09/2010
| Bulletin n°5 - Gaua Activity |
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VANUATU VOLCANIC ACTIVITY BULLETIN N°5 - GAUA ACTIVITY Friday, December 18th, 2009 GAUA VOLCANO 14°16’0”S 167°30’0”E Summit 2615ft (797m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2 A new eruptive phase of the Gaua volcano begun on Monday 14th December 2009 with the significant emissions of ashes. This new eruptive phase is different from previous activities in terms of the amount of ashes (represented by think plumes) that were emitted from the volcano since Monday and which is currently ongoing. The colour of the ash is also darker than previously (see photos). These changes reflect the evolution of the source (alimentation) of the volcano to be determined. Ash falls continue to persist in the western part of Gaua and with the changes in the direction of the wind; it is possible that ash falls may also be experienced in the eastern part of the island.  Chemical analysis of the ashes that fell and were collected in October, which were carried out by York University in England, have indicated that there is a high concentration of chemicals which are hazardous to the human health within these ash particles from Gaua. A volcanic gas measurement of the Gaua volcano on 17th December 2009 shows that there are over 3,000 tones of sulphuric dioxide emitted from the volcano in one day. All these information confirms that the activity of this volcano is still very strong and may be maintained for a longer period of time. The Alert Level of this volcano’s activity is still maintained at Level 2 according to the Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level (VVAL). It is recommended that close monitoring of this volcano must continue, and that the population of Gaua must take precautions to wash any food crops before cooking and eating. People must also respect areas that have been declared dangerous according to the hazard map given on the last page of this bulletin.  For specific information, please contact the Geo-Hazard section of the Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources, telephone 22907/22423 email
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or www.geohazards.gov.vu |