Vanuatu is vulnerable to cyclones, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
A submarine volcano on the island of Vanuatu erupted on Feb. 1, triggering a massive explosion of ash from water just off the country’s coast in the South Pacific. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) also had increased activity near the East Epi volcano before 8 a.m. local time.
The department shared photos of the eruption and a map showing a 10-kilometer “risk zone” around the submerged volcano.
Vanuatu’s Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department along with the photos wrote on Facebook: “Early this morning, reports and observations from locals in Epi indicate an increase in activity from the East Epi submarine volcano around 7:48 a.m. with steam over There are also reports of sulfur dioxide followed by phreatic explosions propelling ash some 100 meters high.”
They added that people should stay away from the coast. “People on Epi, Tongoa and surrounding islands are advised to stay away from the coast as the phreatic explosions can continue and create small waves,” the department said on social media.
People were shocked to see such an event. “OMG! This came from underwater, my goodness!” noted one user. “Stay safe out there,” another person added.
Government official and eyewitness Philip Dick told AFP that in the early hours the ground began to shake and smoke billowed above the site. “Then the explosions started – there is still a stench of sulfur in the nearby villages,” he added.
Less than a month ago, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, was hit by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. It should be noted that Vanuatu, located in the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire”, is vulnerable to cyclones, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. It is also ranked by the United Nations University as the world’s most at-risk country for natural disasters.
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