10,000 forced to flee volcano isle

MORE than 10,000 people have been told to permanently leave a Pacific island because of a rumbling volcano.

The thick ash is killing crops, affecting water supplies and fouling the air on Vanuatu’s Ambae island.

The 154 square mile island was temporarily evacuated in September when the eruptions began, but authorities are now planning a permanent move.

Brad Scott, a New Zealand volcanologist, said more than a quarter of Ambae had been severely impacted, with many traditional thatch roofs collapsing under the weight of the ash.

Government spokesman Hilaire Bule said islanders would be offered homes on two neighbouring islands. ‘It’s not an easy decision,’ he added.

Asked if there was a chance residents might be able to eventually move back to the island, Mr Bule said: ‘We don’t know. You’ll have to ask the volcano.’