Gaua

 

Gaua volcano, located on the island of Gaua in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu, is a stratovolcano that towers over 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. It features a large caldera lake (Lake Letas) and cone (Mount Garet). Significant eruptions took place in 2010 that resulted in the dramatic rise of the crater lake and the release of volcanic ash and gas.

Location: Gaua Island, Vanuatu
Coordinates: -14.282950, 167.516651
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano

 

Gaua’s Location

 

Gaua’s Latest Status:

2024: Alert Level 2 – Major Unrest

 

Gaua’s Eruptive History

2009 September – New eruptions producing ash plumes and pyroclastic flows. Strong degassing. There is also discolouring of Lake Letas.
2010 Eruptions continue with greater intensity and plumes to 3km. Locals have heard multiple explosions.
2011 Ongoing eruptions, ashfall on the North-east and western sides of the island.
2013 Multiple eruptions noted by VAAC Wellington. Seismicity increase, but remains at Level 1.
2021 Small eruption producing an ash plume. Ashfall in villages to the west.
2022 Gaua continues to erupt, producing ash plumes to 2000 meters.

 

Gaua Monitoring

For monitoring, please refer to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department.

 

Gaua Images