Volcanoes, Eruptions and Earthquakes in Vanuatu

Active Volcanoes of Vanuatu

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Significant volcanic eruptions: Vanuatu

In historic times, at least 8 volcanoes have been active in Vanuatu, including Ambrym, Aoba, and Epi volcanoes. A total of 137 eruptions have been witnessed and documented since 1774.
The table below lists the most recent volcanic eruptions, significant eruptive episodes or related events in Vanuatu since around 2000.

Date	Volcano	VEI	Region	Deaths	Damage
2024 Oct 3 - Nov 12	Ambrym	?	Vanuatu
2024 Jun 29 - Jun 30	Aoba	?	Vanuatu
2024 Jan 13 - Jan 16	Ambrym	?	Vanuatu
2023 Dec 11 - Dec 21	Aoba	2	Vanuatu
2023 Feb 20 - May 28	Aoba	2	Vanuatu
2023 Jan 31 - Feb 23	Epi	1	Vanuatu
2023 Jan 31 (eruption 2023 Jan 31 - Feb 23)	Epi	0	Vanuatu			Info
2023 Jan 31: Reference #13678: The East Epi group, consisting of multiple submarine cones within a postulated caldera, lies off the eastern coast of Epi Island in Vanuatu (figure 6). Three cones (Epi A, B, and C) are located 4-10 km NNE from the Epi Island, with additional smaller cones south of Epi B (figure 7). Ephemeral islands were formed during eruptions in 1920 and 1953. Explosive activity was reported in 1958 and 1960, discolored water was often seen during 1971-1974 and 1988, a new vent was detected in 1979, and explosive activity occurred in February 1999, March 2002, and February 2004. A March 2004 bathymetric survey revealed that Epi B was about 300 m tall with a diameter of about 1.8 km at the base; the summit crater was about 150 m in diameter, the crater floor was at a depth of 90 m, and the highest point was on the NW rim of the summit crater, at a depth of 34 m. This report covers a new eruption during January through February 2023 that was characterized by phreatic explosions, a growing cone, and ash emissions. Information primarily comes from the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD). According to the Wellington VAAC, a low-level ash and sulfur dioxide plume was identified in satellite data at 0730 on 31 January 2023. VMGD reported that residents saw gas-and-steam emissions at the ocean’s surface around 0748 (figure 8) and phreatic explosions that ejected gas and tephra 100 m above the water (figure 9). Observers also reported that they saw a growing cone from ongoing ash emissions. The Wellington VAAC noted that the eruption was short-lived and had stopped by 1548 when the ash had dissipated. During an overflight on the afternoon of 31 January, gas-and-steam was observed rising from the ocean surface above Epi B, discolored water was visible around the eruption site, and pumice rafts were floating on the surface (figure 10). Several strands of pumice that drifted to the SW, NW, and N of Epi B were visible in Sentinel-2 satellite imagery on 2 and 14 February (figure 11). Gas-and-steam emissions were also visible at the surface for a few hours during 1 February. During 0700-1030 on 7 February residents observed minor, low-level gas-and-steam emissions above Epi B. The intensity of the gas-and-steam plumes varied, with stronger activity reported by local residents around 0600 on 8 February. On 23 February VMGD reported sustained seismicity and minor gas-and-steam plumes that only lasted a few hours. Two main explosions were recorded by different monitoring networks, including seismic stations and the infrasound array located in Papua New Guinea (Figure 3). Although this had no apparent consequence on the nearby communities, a small tsunami was however reported by locals and recorded on the coastal tide gauges of Port-Vila to the South and Luganville to the North showing a maximum amplitude of ~5 cm. (reference #13679) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13678 Global Volcanism Program (2023): Report on East Epi (Vanuatu) (Bennis, K.L., and Venzke, E., eds.). Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network, 48:3. Smithsonian Institution. #13679 Roger, J., Ashraf, S., Krippner, J., Assink, J., Gusman, A., Pelletier, B., Bani, P., Thomas, B.E.O., Kali, J. (2023): The East Epi Volcano submarine eruption and associated tsunami of 31 January 2023: a powerful event in the shadow of the HTHH eruption. Abstract NH51D-0505 presented at 2023 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, CA, 11-15 Dec. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2021 Dec 5 - 2022 Aug 15 ±10 d.	Aoba	1	Vanuatu
2022 May 3	Gaua Mt. Garet	1	Vanuatu
2022 Jan 25 - Feb 2 ±1 d.	Ambrym Benbow Crater	1	Vanuatu
2021 Nov 16	Gaua Mt. Garet	1	Vanuatu
2008 May 23 - 2018 Dec 17	Ambrym Benbow and Marum	2	Vanuatu
2018 Dec 15 (eruption 2008 May 23 - 2018 Dec 17)	Ambrym	2	Vanuatu		moderate	Info
2018 Dec 15: VMGD observations and seismic data analysis confirm an ongoing emission of ash and gas from eruptive vents from Benbow and Marum craters and ongoing localized earthquake activity in the south eastern part of Ambrym. This earthquake activity is related to the current volcano eruption. Ash fall and gases have been observed primarily over the North Eastern side of the island. Earthquake activity has caused cracks on buildings and land in some areas, especially in the South East Ambrym area. Roads, water supplies, buildings and gardens have been damaged. (reference #12309) The entire 159 Pamel community members in Southeast Ambrym have relocated themselves to Ulei village nearby as there were some damaged due to earthquake damages in their infrastructures. (reference #12351) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12309 Vanuatu Disaster Management Office (2018): NEOC Situation Update - Ambrym Volcanic Activity. 19 December 2018. #12351 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) (2018): Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA), Vanuatu: Ambrym Volcano & Earthquake. DREF # MDRVU007. Date of issue: 28 December 2018. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2017 Sep 6 - 2018 Oct 30 ?	Aoba Pyroclastic cone in Lake Voui	3	Vanuatu
2018 Mar 30 (eruption 2017 Sep 6 - 2018 Oct 30 ?)	Aoba	3	Vanuatu	4	moderate	Info
2018 Mar 30: The active volcano on Vanuatu's Ambae island has once again begun spewing out ash and harmful smoke, and Vanuatu's government is now looking into acquiring land to permanently resettle the island's 13,000 residents. Government spokesman Hilaire Bule said a shift in wind direction brought on by Tropical Cyclone Hola last month has dramatically increased the impact of the ashfall. Photos from Ambae showed villages and forests covered in a heavy layer of ash, food gardens destroyed and water sources polluted. The extent of the ashfall has raised concerns about the health risk to residents, and Mr Ford said he had received reports of people dying. "We've been notified that four people have died on the island in the last couple of days as a result of the volcano and the acid rain," he said. "There wouldn't be any more edible crops on the island, the ash has affected all drinking water." (all above from reference #12104) Disaster authorities in Vanuatu say it is likely people severely affected by ash-fall from the Lombenben volcano will be relocated to other parts of Ambae island. The Vanuatu Geohazards Department raised the alert level for the volcano last week after increased activity at Lombenben's Manaro Voui crater. Communities in the northwestern and southern parts of Ambae have been worst affected with reports of buildings and trees collapsing under the weight of the ash. Water supplies have also been contaminated and food gardens smothered. The operations manager of the National Disaster Management Office, Peter Korisa, said assessments were still be done and affected communities might be relocated. But he said a longer term solution was needed. (reference #12077) In October 2017, the entire population (approximately 11,000 people) of Ambae, an island in the north of the Vanuatu archipelago, were temporarily evacuated due to increased volcanic activity. The population returned to their island on the 22 October 2017 after three weeks living in evacuation centres and camps. As of the 8 April, due to a change in wind direction, the North and some parts in the East of Ambae begun reporting heavy ash fall that they described as worse than any other ash fall in the past. Houses, other structures and trees have collapsed under the weight of the ash. Food gardens have been destroyed and water sources contaminated. Furthermore, large fallen trees have blocked road access to some communities in the North, while dangerous landslides believed to be linked to the heavy deposits of ashfall have since destroyed an entire village. The SOE also came with indication of the plan by the National government to assist with voluntary evacuations up until 30 April. After this, they will implement mandatory evacuations over a 2-week period until 15 May. (reference #12114) Heavy rains on 30 March caused a large lahar that significantly damaged a village on the N side of the island. A high-altitude plume on 31 March was measured at 13.7 km altitude. Significant ashfall around the island caused infrastructure damage and health hazards to humans, livestock, and plants. As reported on July 2018, BGVN 43:07. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12077 Radio New Zealand (2018): Relocation likely on Vanuatu volcano island. Published 27 March 2018. Updated 7:21am. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/353454/relocation-likely-on-vanuatu-volcano-island #12104 ABC Radio Australia (2018): Vanuatu volcano eruption intensifies covering Ambae island in ash and smoke. Published 16 April 2018. Updated 20:35 AEST. Link #12114 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) (2018): Emergency Plan of Action Vanuatu: Ambae Volcanic Eruption 2018. Date of issue: 27 April 2018. #12115 UNICEF (2018): UNICEF Pacific (Vanuatu - Monaro Volcano) Humanitarian Situation Report No. 1, 26 April 2018. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2011 Sep 17 - Oct 10	Gaua Mt. Garat	1	Vanuatu
2011 Jun 4 - Jul 10	Aoba Lake Manaro	1	Vanuatu
2009 Sep 27 - 2010 Jun 19	Gaua Mt. Garat	2	Vanuatu
2006 Nov 8 - 2007 Dec 27 or later	Ambrym Marum (Mbwelesu)	2	Vanuatu
2007 Apr 21 - May 14 ?	Lopevi	2	Lopevi Island
2005 Oct 27 ? - 2006 Aug 1 ?	Lopevi	2	Lopevi Island
2005 Nov 27 - 2006 Feb 16 ±15 d.	Aoba Lake Voui	2	Vanuatu
1996 Jun 16 ±15 d. - 2005 Aug 16 ±15 d.	Ambrym Benbow, Marum, Niri Mbelesu, Mbwelesu	1	Vanuatu
2005 Jan 30 - Mar 31 ?	Lopevi	2	Lopevi Island
2004 Sep 16 ±15 d.	Lopevi	2	Lopevi Island
2004 Feb 16 - Feb 24	Epi Epi B	2	Vanuatu
2003 Jun 8 - Jun 16 ?	Lopevi	3	Lopevi Island
2002 Mar 16 ±15 d.	Epi	1?	Vanuatu
2001 Jun 8 - Jun 19 or later	Lopevi NW flank (200-400 m)	3	Lopevi Island
1998 Jul 16 ±15 d. - 2000 Apr 25 ?	Lopevi 1963 crater (NW flank 1000 m)	3	Lopevi Island
1995 Feb 4 (eruptive episode 1774 Jan 01 - 2010 Dec 31)	Yasur	3	Tanna Island, Vanuatu	2		Info
1995 Feb 4: During October 1993, a telemetered surveillance station registered variations in the seismicity at Yasur. The station is located 2 km from the crater on the ashflow plain. Seismicity (detected at five stations) generally increased from October 1993 to January 1994, corresponding to renewed eruptive activity. Very strong activity from January 1994 to January 1995 (comparable to 1976-77) ejected bombs in a radius of ~400 m from the crater rim. Ashfall measured at the surveillance station totaled ~12 cm during January-October 1994. Seismicity remained high throughout 1994, then declined after January 1995. Because Yasur is very accessible, it has been promoted as a tourist destination, resulting in a greater number of visitors and greater risk of accidents. In mid-January 1994 and early February 1995, when activity began to decline, there were two accidents with three victims. In one incident, two visitors on the crater rim died when they were struck by a 15 kg bomb ejected from the vent. (reference #2432) Two visitors on the crater rim died when they were struck by a 15 kg bomb ejected from the vent. (reference #9675) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1994 Jan 15 (eruptive episode 1774 Jan 01 - 2010 Dec 31)	Yasur	3	Tanna Island, Vanuatu	1		Info
1994 Jan 15: During October 1993, a telemetered surveillance station registered variations in the seismicity at Yasur. The station is located 2 km from the crater on the ashflow plain. Seismicity (detected at five stations) generally increased from October 1993 to January 1994, corresponding to renewed eruptive activity. Very strong activity from January 1994 to January 1995 (comparable to 1976-77) ejected bombs in a radius of ~400 m from the crater rim (figure 4). Ashfall measured at the surveillance station totaled ~12 cm during January-October 1994. Seismicity remained high throughout 1994, then declined after January 1995. Because Yasur is very accessible, it has been promoted as a tourist destination, resulting in a greater number of visitors and greater risk of accidents. In mid-January 1994 and early February 1995, when activity began to decline, there were two accidents with three victims. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Vanuatu FAQ

+When was the last volcanic eruption in Vanuatu?

The last volcanic eruption in Vanuatu was from Ambrym volcano in 2024.

+When was the first documented volcanic eruption in Vanuatu?

The first historically documented eruption occurred 1774 from Ambrym volcano.

+How often do volcanoes in Vanuatu erupt?

Since 1774, Vanuatu has seen at least 137 historically documented eruptions. This means that a volcano erupts on average every 1.8 years.

+How active are the volcanoes in Vanuatu?

Vanuatu is volcanically very active: Since 1900, at least 7 volcanoes in Vanuatu have been active.Since 1900, Vanuatu has had 117 volcanic eruptions from 7 individual volcanoes. Volcanic eruptions have been recorded erupted during 93 years out of 126 as of now. This means, at least one volcano in Vanuatu has been in eruption in one in 1.4 years on average. The last volcano to erupt in Vanuatu was Ambrym volcano, which erupted in 2024, 5 months ago.

+When was the largest volcanic eruption in Vanuatu?

The largest eruption in Vanuatu in historic times was from Ambrym volcano. It occurred during 1950 - 1951. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest earthquakes: Vanuatu

There was one earthquake of magnitude 4.9 in or near Vanuatu in the past 7 days.

A magnitude 4.9 quake was felt in 22 km W of Port-Vila, Vanuatu .

Magnitude 4.9 Earthquake 22 km W of Port-Vila, Vanuatu reported felt -

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Nearest Volcano / Location
Apr 4, 12:58 am (Efate)	4.9 34 km	38 km (24 mi) SW of North Vate	22 km W of Port-Vila, Vanuatu I FELT IT - 11 reports	Info

See Recent Quakes

Significant Earthquakes in Vanuatu since 1900

The deadliest earthquake in Vanuatu since 1900 was the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in

Vanuatu on Dec, 17, 2024. It resulted in 14 fatalities and 265 injured people. A tsunami was generated by the quake as well and contributed to its desctuctive effects. This was also the most damaging earthquake that occurred in this time: total economic losses were estimated to the equivalent of $5-25 million USD. An unknown number houses and other buildings were destroyed and between 100-1,000 damaged.

Date	Mag	Region	Deaths	Damage
2024 Dec 17	7.3	VANUATU ISLANDS: EFATE, PORT VILA	14	heavy	Info
1999 Nov 26	7.5	Vanuatu Islands: Pentecost	10	heavy	Info

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

All Quakes in History

Map

Oldest quakes (until 1960) are shown in yellow, most recent (from 2000) in red.

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Significant Earthquakes in Vanuatu FAQ

+Which was the deadliest earthquake in Vanuatu since 1900?

The deadliest earthquake in Vanuatu since 1900 was the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Vanuatu on Dec, 17, 2024. It resulted in 14 fatalities and 265 injured people. A tsunami was generated by the quake as well and contributed to its desctuctive effects.

+How many people were killed by earthquakes in Vanuatu since 1900?

Since 1900, at least 3 earthquakes claimed an estimated total of 25 fatalities in Vanuatu.

+How much damage did earthquakes cause in Vanuatu since 1900?

There were 21 damaging or deadly quakes during this period that caused economic losses of approx. $125 million US Dollars combined.

The Vanuatu archipelago in the South Pacific is not only one of the most unspoilt and intact places of the earth, but also hosts some of the most spectacular volcanoes.
The Vanuatu archipelago contains many active volcanoes including Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi, and Yasur, the Stromboli counterpart of the Mediterranean. Vanuatu's island arc is the result of a north-south subduction zone streching from the Matthew and Hunter islands in the south to Tinakula volcano in the Solomon Islands in the north.
Its friendly inhabitants are strongly rooted in their extotic traditional culture and welcome visitors warmheartedly as almost nowhere else. Vanutatu's tropical islands are not only the perfect location for a relaxing tropical holiday, but also offer the possibility for adventurous expeditions to some of the most active and spectacular volcanoes of the world, including the frequently active lava lakes of Ambrym and the famous, constantly erupting volcano Yasur on the Island of Tanna.

Volcano List

Ambrym

(shield volcano 1334 m (4,377 ft))

The crater of Benbow (Ambrym)

Ambrym is a large basaltic volcano with a 12-km-wide caldera. It is not only one of the most active volcanoes of Vanuatu, but in the world. Its most active craters often contain small lava lakes. [more info]

Aneityum

(Stratovolcanoes 852 m / 2,795 ft)

[more info]

Aoba

(Shield volcano 1496 m / 4,908 ft)

Aoba, also known as Ambae, is a massive 2500 cu km basaltic shield volcano that is the most voluminous volcano of the New Hebrides archipelago. [more info]

East Tanna Volcano

(Stratovolcano 552 m / 1811 ft)

[more info]

Emae

(Complex 629 m / 2064 ft)

[more info]

Epi

(Stratovolcanoes 833 m / 2,733 ft)

[more info]

Fatmalapa

(Stratovolcano(es) 500 m / 1640 ft)

[more info]

Gaua

(stratovolcano 797 m / 2,615 ft)

Gaua is one of the most remote and most active volcanoes of the Vanuatu archipel, located on the island with the same name in the West Banks island group atht enorthern end of the archipelago. Its most recent eruption started in Sep 2009 from Mt Garet inside the caldera lake and ... [more info]

Kuwae

(Caldera -2 m / - 7 ft)

[more info]

Lopevi

(stratovolcano 1413 m (4,636 ft))

The majestic cone of Lopevi volcano from the air

Lopevi is one of Vanuatu's most active volcanoes. It forms a steep cone rising to more than 1400 m from the sea and often has eruptions from the summit crater or flank vents. The island was evacuated following major eruptions in 1939 and 1960. [more info]

Melkum

(Stratovolcano(es) 758 m / 2487 ft)

[more info]

Mere Lava

(Stratovolcano 1028 m / 3,373 ft)

[more info]

Merig

(Stratovolcano 125 m / 410 ft)

[more info]

Mota

(Stratovolcano 411 m / 1348 ft)

[more info]

Motlav

(Stratovolcano 411 m / 1,348 ft)

[more info]

North Vate

(Stratovolcanoes 594 m / 1,949 ft)

[more info]

Paama Island

(Complex 544 m / 1785 ft)

[more info]

Pumpan

(Stratovolcano 802 m / 2631 ft)

[more info]

Suretamatai

(Complex volcano 921 m / 3,022 ft)

[more info]

Traitor's Head

(Stratovolcano 837 m / 2,746 ft)

[more info]

Unnamed

(Submarine -551 m / -1808 ft)

[more info]

Unnamed 16.992°S/168.592°E

(Stratovolcanoes 216 m / 709 ft)

[more info]

Ureparapara

(Stratovolcano 764 m / 2507 ft)

[more info]

William

(Stratovolcano 886 m / 2907 ft)

[more info]

Yasur

(stratovolcano 361 m (1,184 ft))

Strombolian activity at Yasur volcano

Yasur is the most well known volcanoes of Vanuatu and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Yasur is known for its spectacular persistent strombolian activity that consists of regular small to violent explosions from one or several vents. [more info]

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Volcanism on Vanuatu

Yasur volcano (Vanuatu) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 26 March-1 April 2025 (Continuing Activity)

On 27 March the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that activity at Yasur continued at a level of “major unrest,” as defined by the Alert Level 2 status (on a scale of 0-5). Satellite and webcam images indicated that explosions continued, producing emissions of gas, steam, and/or ash. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions and low-level thermal anomalies were identified in satellite images. ... Read all

Thu, 3 Apr 2025, 06:00

Lopevi volcano (Vanuatu) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 26 March-1 April 2025 (Continuing Activity)

On 27 March the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that during the previous month small fumarolic steam plumes were continuously emitted at Lopevi's summit crater based on recent photos and webcam images. Low-level thermal anomalies were identified in satellite images on 19 and 24 March. Seismic data confirmed continuing unrest. ... Read all