Visitors to Torba Province in Vanuatu are being advised to take extra care and exert some protection in the wake of an increase in volcanic activity there.
According to the Department of Meteorological and Geohazards, the Vanua Lava volcano in the province has been showing signs of unrest and the department has increased the volcanic alert level from zero to level 1.
Vanua Lava is the second largest of the Banks Islands in Torba Province, after slightly larger Gaua. Vanua Lava is also home to Torba’s provincial capital, Sola.
The department has confirmed that the volcanic activities on the island have changed and become unstable. It says the risk of volcanic gas is significant at the area around the sulfur river and volcanic area.
Vanua Lava and other islands in the province which are renowned for their colorful custom dances, snorkeling or scuba diving, and bat caves up on the crater side, have been attracting an increased number of tourists in the recent past.
That has resulted in Torba Province being selected by the Department of Tourism (DoT) as a third province to pilot a new approach to the development of tourism via preparation of a ‘Provincial Tourism Plan’.
But due to the volcanic situation there, the Geohazards section has been advising all visitors to protect them to avoid volcanic gas impacts and other volcano related incidents.
All communities, villages, and travel agencies have also been advised to seriously consider this information.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department will closely monitor this volcano activity and will continue to provide information accordingly when necessary.