Volcanoes

The submarine volcanic activity at East Epi continues to show signs of unrest. The East Epi Submarine Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

Signs of volcanic unrest continues at East Epi submarine volcano. New analysis of data has confirmed that East Epi submarine volcanic activity is likely to continue at similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 1. The volcanic hazards danger zone remains limited at a 2 km radius from the active submarine vents.

Although the communities of Epi and neighboring islands no longer observe volcanic plume emissions above the sea surface, analysis of seismic data has confirmed signs of continued volcanic unrest activity at East Epi submarine volcano.

The East Epi submarine volcanic alert Level has been at the Level 1 since 1^st February 2023. The current observations are consistent with the Alert Level 1 activity. Level 1 indicates “Signs of unrest, with a volcanic hazards danger zone of 2 km radius risk zone from active submarine vents”.

All ships and boats owners, local authorities, people from Epi, Tongoa, Shepherds Islands and general public are strongly reminded to NOT approach 2 km radius from East Epi active submarine vents (See Est Epi submarine volcano safety map below). This zone is hazardous due to volcanic hazards related to its activity that could occur anytime. Ships with boats passengers, communities from Epi and neighboring islands will expect to observe volcanic pumice floating on the sea surface. This pumice can also be deposited at the coastal areas of Epi Island and neighboring and distant islands following the sea current. Submarine volcano survival guide and information about volcanic hazards can be found at the links below:

www.vmgd.gov.vu/geohazards/volcanoes/east-epi

www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department continues to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.

For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at geohazards@meteo.gov.vu or 24686.