Vanuatu: Government demonstrates readiness to manage ongoing Ambae volcanic activity

On 6 March, the Vanuatu government allocated VT20 million ($AUD 240,000) to the National Disaster Management Office for assessments, community support, and emergency preparedness following ongoing activity from Manaro Volcano (currently at Alert Level 3 out of a 5 alert scale). Since 5 March, the volcano has emitted ash plumes and acid rain affecting Ambae and surrounding islands. No mandatory evacuation has been issued, but residents in high-risk areas were advised to prepare for voluntary relocation and to protect water and food supplies. Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu confirmed that emergency plans are ready for mass evacuation if activity rises to Alert Level 4, while disaster officers continue to monitor seismic, gas, and ash activity. Ambae is located approximately 260km north of Port Vila and home to 10-11,000 residents. The local population has undergone total evacuation before, during volcanic activity over 2017-2018. 

Assessment: The Vanuatu government demonstrated a prompt initial response by allocating funds for disaster readiness and community support, indicating domestic capacity to manage the ongoing volcanic activity. Timely evacuation notices are likely if activity rises to Alert Level 4. Foreign assistance is unlikely unless eruption activity rapidly escalates before evacuations can occur, causing a mass-casualty event.

Sources: Doddy Morris, “VT20 Million for Ambae volcano response,” Daily Post, March 7, 2026; Margot Staunton, Johnny Blades and Koroi Hawkins, “Acid rain falls on Vanuatu islands as volcano continues to belch ash,” RNZ, March 8, 2026.