Volcano spurs move to evacuate island permanently

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The Pacific nation of Vanuatu is preparing to evacuate permanently the entire population of one of its islands as thick ash spewing from a volcano kills crops, dirties water supplies and fouls the air.

The 10,000 or so people who remain on Ambae island have mixed feelings about the plans. Some who are badly affected by the ash are eager to leave while others are resisting losing their land and culture.

The island was evacuated last September temporarily when the eruption cycle began.

Government spokesman Hilaire Bule said Thursday that he expects the Council of Ministers to approve a relocation plan by next week. Bule said the islanders would be offered residence on two neighboring islands.

“It’s not an easy decision,” Bule said.

He said there were many details to work through, including providing schools and facilities to the displaced residents and negotiating land and new homes for them.

Many people have family and spiritual ties to the islands where they will be relocated, Maewo and Pentecost, Bule said. Traditional religion even has it that the islands are part of a family: Pentecost being the mother, Maewo the father and Ambae the son.

Ambae is about 154 square miles and is one of about 65 inhabited islands in Vanuatu, which is home to 280,000 people.