Volcanoes

VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°8 – EAST EPI ACTIVITY
Thursday August 29th 2024

EAST EPI VOLCANO
16°40′48″S 168°22′12″E Summit -111ft (-34m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 1

East Epi Submarine volcano is continuing to show signs of unrest. East Epi submarine Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

Volcanic unrest continue at East Epi submarine volcano. New observations confirmed that East Epi submarine volcanic activity is likely to continue at similar level, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1. The danger zone for life safety is limited at 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 at East Epi Island. Volcanic hazards persist at sea areas located around the submarine volcano.

Est Epi submarine volcanic alert level has been at the Level 1 since 1st February 2023. The current observations are consistent with the Alert Level 1 activity. Level 1 indicates “Signs of unrest. The danger zone for life safety is at 2 km radius from the active submarine vents”.

All ships and boats owners, local authorities, people from Epi, Tongoa, Shepherd’s Islands and general public are reminded to must NOT approach 2 km radius from East Epi active submarine vents (See Est Epi submarine volcano safety map below). The risk of volcanic hazards is high in this zone. Ships with boats passengers, communities from Epi and neighboring islands will expect to observe volcanic pumice floating on the sea surface. These pumice can also be deposited at the coastal areas of Epi Island and neighboring and distant islands following the sea current. Information about volcanic hazards and submarine volcano survival guide are available at the link below:
www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources.

The Department of Meteorology and Geohazards will continue to closely monitor the submarine volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.

Fig. East Epi Submarine Volcano Safety Map

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