Lopevi

 

Lopevi Volcano, situated in the Shefa Province of Vanuatu, is a highly active stratovolcano rising to an elevation of approximately 1450 meters above sea level. Situated on the island of Lopevi, it presents a significant hazard due to its frequent eruptions. Lopevi’s eruptive style is characterized by explosive activity, featuring the ejection of pyroclastic material, lava flows, and the formation of ash plumes

Location: Shefa Province, Vanuatu
Coordinates: -16.505508, 168.337486
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano

 

Lopevi’s Location

 

Lopevi’s Latest Status

2024: Level 2 – Major Unrest

 

Lopevi’s Eruptive History

Year Overview
1862-present Lopevi is one of the most active volcanoes in Vanuatu. Frequent eruptions include Strombolian explosions, ash emissions, lava flows, and occasional pyroclastic flows.
1939 Major eruption with significant ashfall prompting evacuation of the island.
1960 Another major eruption. A pyroclastic flow reaches the sea and a lava flow forms a new peninsula on the island’s western coast. The entire population is permanently evacuated.
1963-1982 Twenty-year period of intermittent activity including ash emissions, lava flows, lava fountains, and Strombolian explosions.
1998 Activity resumes with Strombolian explosions and a small lava flow within the crater.
2000 Continued activity throughout the year, predominantly Strombolian explosions and ash emission.
2001 Significant explosive eruption in June, with an ash plume reaching 7,500 m. Lava flow and debris avalanches also occur.
2003 Another eruption in June, with a thick ash plume drifting at 40,000 ft. GOME satellite detects elevated sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions before the eruption.
2006 Increased activity triggers evacuations of nearby islands as a precaution. Eruptions include Strombolian activity and ash emissions.
2007 Volcanic plume and vog (volcanic smog) reported. Activity likely includes ash emissions and possible small-scale lava flows.
2008 Eruptive episode with likely Strombolian explosions and ash emissions.
2014 Eruptions reported in December, details are sparse but likely included ash emissions and possible small-scale lava flows.
2017-2019 Activity persists with several raised alert levels during this period. Eruptions likely involved ash emissions, Strombolian explosions, and the possibility of lava flows.

 

Lopevi Monitoring

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

 

Lopevi Images