Vanuatu’s Ambrym volcano alert level downgraded

Port Vila: The Ambrym volcano alert level has been downgraded from major unrest (level 2) to minor unrest (level 1), as of last Thursday.

Latest observations and daily analysis confirm the Ambrym volcano, especially Benbow crater, was no longer emitting and/or ash plumes and the volcano seismicity had also decreased and was now stable in the minor unrest state, said the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD).

The volcano’s alert level was raised to 2 on January this year, when the crater of Benbow emitted thick ash and steam plume.

Lava glow above Benbow crater at night was observed, indicating lava in the crater (assumed to be lave lake inside Benbow active vents).

However, the glow was observed only between January 25 until February 3rd this year.

Ground observations confirmed that the activity was a lava flow inside Benbow crater from a new opening on the North West side, inside the crate.