The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo hazards Department (VMGD) confirmed that the Ambae volcanic alert level has been downgraded from 2 to level 1.
According to VMDG, observations and data from October 2018 to present show that activity at Ambae volcano has declined and they now recognise the activity as minor unrest
The current Ambae volcanic activity is now consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 1.
New scientific analyses suggest three (3) possible scenarios as the future volcanic activity for Ambae, in the short-term.
These are; Most likely; to continue at current unrest level, Not very likely; activity to decline to remain at a lower unrest level and Not very likely; unrest activity to increase to a state of eruption.
VMGD stated that although the volcanic activity has declined to low levels of volcanic unrest, some volcanic hazards do remain on Ambae Island.
These are related to the presence of weak layers of volcanic ash remaining at the summit and elsewhere on the island.
The danger zone at the summit remains at 2 km radius from the 2017-2018 active vents.
An additional danger zone is located within the area of flowing creeks during heavy rain.
VMGD has advised that the volcanic ashes that fell on Ambae during the 2017 and 2018 eruption will continue to influence the behaviour of streams and creeks when it rains.
The creeks and streams can produce floods and carry debris (sands, gravel and boulders).
The flow path of streams and creeks could change due to the flood debris.
Landslide may also occur at some areas during heavy rainfall.
VMGD will continue to monitor the volcano activity.
Photo supplied Caption: Aerial view of the Ambae volcano activity