Steam had been reported over the site then the volcano had started throwing ash Wednesday morning. The volcanic activity began just before 8 a.m. local time, according to the local meteorology department. Government official Philip Dick said the ground had started to shake and smoke could be seen over the site in the early hours of the morning. “Then the explosions began – there is still a bad smell of sulfur in the surrounding villages.”
The underwater volcano east of Epi erupted this morning. People on the islands of Epi, Tongoa and surrounding areas are advised to stay away from the coast. Follow developments at https://t.co/7Mau5xzIGS pic.twitter.com/0a6ITK70GD
— Embassy of France in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands (@FranceVanuatu) January 31, 2023
An undersea volcano between the islands of Epi and Paama has awakened. Ships are being diverted and the local population is on alert. pic.twitter.com/vbHCLys3Bt
— Dan McGarry (@dailypostdan) February 1, 2023
A safety perimeter of 10 km has been established around the underwater volcano, which is 68 km north of Port Vila, the capital of the Pacific state. Authorities advised ships and planes to avoid the area. Residents of the nearby islands of Epi and Tongoa have been ordered to avoid the coast. Authorities increased the volcano alert to the first level (from five.
Vanuatu is located in an area of high seismic activity, dubbed the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates meet.