Vanuatu: Threat from multiple natural disasters decreasing

On 24 March, the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) officially reported that the “intensity of roaring and rumbling had decreased” at Manaro Voui, the active volcano on Ambae, but that gas, smoke, and ashfall continued to affect parts of the island. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 3 (out of a 5 level scale). Separately, no further damage, impacts, or injuries have been reported following the 30 March earthquake that impacted Luganville, the country’s second biggest urban settlement. More recently, on 6 April, NDMO assessed that Tropical Cyclone Vaianu did not pose a significant threat to the country beyond scattered rain as it continued to move away to the southeast.

Assessment: The immediate threat from multiple natural hazards to Vanuatu is decreasing. While volcanic activity may increase again at any point in the future and will remain under NDMO monitoring, the emergency management focus will now shift from response to longer term recovery. This includes reconstruction of damaged buildings in Luganville and substituting water and food supply on Ambae due to ash contamination of crops and water catchments.

Sources: Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, National Situation Report, Manaro Volcanic Eruption, Number 5, dated 26 March 2026; Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department, “Information Number 5 on Tropical Cyclone VAIANU,” 6 April, 2026; Nicolas Mwai, “GX Foundation assesses impact of Ambae volcano as communities face ongoing hardship,” Daily Post, March 31, 2026.