The Manaro Voui volcano on Ambae Island has entered a new eruptive phase over the past 24 hours, marked by a significant increase in volcanic unrest. In the early morning of February 13, VMGD webcam footage showed a large glowing area at the volcano’s vent.
Satellite data has recorded multiple moderate-level thermal anomalies, peaking at approximately 636 MW (via MODIS & VIIRS), which indicates that fresh magma is actively reaching the surface. This heightened energy is currently producing dense ash plumes reaching heights of up to 2km above sea level, as monitored by the Himawari-9 AHI satellite.
The intensity of these thermal signatures suggests that fire fountaining or Strombolian activity – typical of Ambae’s recent eruptive cycles, Such activity is confined to within the summit caldera.
Because of the unpredictable interaction between magma and the island’s crater lakes, conditions can change rapidly. Residents are advised to stay tuned to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) for updates.