Thousands flee their homes as Vanuatu volcano threatens to erupt

Authorities declare an emergency on Ambae island after a recent increase in activity raises fears of an imminent disaster.
A belching volcano on an island in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu has forced more than 7,000 people to flee their homes as it threatens to erupt.

Authorities have declared an emergency on Ambae island after a recent increase in activity raised fears of an imminent, large-scale disaster.

The rumbling Manaro volcano has been active for a long time, but there are now fears of a major eruption threatening the 10,000 people who live on the island.

Villagers close to the volcano have been moved to schools and community halls on the island's less vulnerable eastern and western regions.
A ship arrived earlier in the day carrying food, water and other essential supplies, Vanuatu National



Disaster Management Office Director Shadrack Welegtabit said on Wednesday.

A second is on its way and is set to arrive on Friday.

"We are in the dry season and with the ash contaminating some supplies our biggest concern right now is getting water to those who have been evacuated," Mr Welegtabit said.

Vanuatu, a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands, is home to about 280,000 people.
It comes after authorities in Bali warned of a potentially imminent eruption of its highest volcano on Mount Agung, forcing more than 75,000 people from their homes.

Indonesia and Vanuatu sit on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe shaped area around the edges of the Pacific Ocean, from Australia to the Andes, where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.