Ambae

Smithsonian/USGS weekly reports are selective and preliminary. They are not a comprehensive list of all eruptions or volcanic activity.

1. Continuing Eruptive Activity

   27 Aug 2026 to 2 Sept 2026 · published 03 Sept 2026, 08:12 UTC

   Preliminary · selective report

   Provider alert text: Alert Level remained at 3

   The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) and the Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reported that the eruption at Ambae continued during 27 August-2 September. According to the VAAC multiple daily plumes during 27-30 August were identified in satellite data and webcam images rising 1.5-7.6 km (5,000-25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W, SE, and E. An ash plume rose to 12.5 km (41,000 ft) a.s.l. on 1 September and drifted ESE. VMGD noted that the ash plume also contained very high amounts of sulfur dioxide. Ashfall was reported in areas to the N, E, and S parts of the island, and reached the N part of Pentecost Island. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5), and the public was warned to stay outside of Danger Zone B, defined as a 3-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui, and to stay away from drainages during heavy rains.

   Observatory

   Not supplied

   Report sources

   Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD), Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

   Global Volcanism Program, Smithsonian Institution, and U.S. Geological Survey, Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report.

   Open the original weekly report

2. New Eruptive Activity

   20 Aug 2026 to 26 Aug 2026 · published 27 Aug 2026, 07:30 UTC

   Preliminary · selective report

   Provider alert text: Alert Level remained at 3

   The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that the eruption at Ambae continued during 21-26 August, with explosive activity producing tall ash plumes on 25 August. Continuous plumes of gas, steam, and ash were visible in satellite and webcam images drifting NW during 21-24 August and drifting NE on 25 August. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions were at moderate to high levels, and seismicity indicated high levels of activity. Thermal anomalies were identified in satellite data. The Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reported that ash plumes were significantly higher during 25-26 August. The eruption escalated at 2040 on 25 August, and by 2124 an ash plume had risen to 16.5 km (54,000 ft) a.s.l. and was drifting E based on satellite images. The ash plume altitude decreased to 15.2 km (50,000 ft) a.s.l. by 2153 and to 12.8 km (42,000 ft) a.s.l. by 0013 on 26 August. A strong sulfur dioxide signal was also detected. Ash plumes continued to be detected during the rest of the day on 26 August rising 3-4.6 km (10,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5), and the public was warned to stay outside of Danger Zone B, defined as a 3-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui, and to stay away from drainages during heavy rains.

   Observatory

   Not supplied

   Report sources

   Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD), Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

   Global Volcanism Program, Smithsonian Institution, and U.S. Geological Survey, Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report.

   Open the original weekly report

3. Continuing Eruptive Activity

   13 Aug 2026 to 19 Aug 2026 · published 20 Aug 2026, 08:08 UTC

   Preliminary · selective report

   Provider alert text: Alert Level remained at 3

   The Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reported that daily ash-and-gas plumes at Ambae were identified in satellite and webcam images during 13-18 August rising 1.5-4.6 km (5,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting in multiple directions. Occasionally the ash emissions were intermittent, and sulfur dioxide plumes were also occasionally identified. Weather clouds sometimes obscured views. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5), and the public was warned to stay outside of Danger Zone B, defined as a 3-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui, and to stay away from drainages during heavy rains.

   Observatory

   Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

   Report sources

   Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

   Global Volcanism Program, Smithsonian Institution, and U.S. Geological Survey, Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report.

   Open the original weekly report

4. Continuing Eruptive Activity

   6 Aug 2026 to 12 Aug 2026 · published 13 Aug 2026, 08:03 UTC

   Preliminary · selective report

   Provider alert text: Alert Level remained at 3

   The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that minor eruptive activity continued at Ambae during July 2026. Persistent volcanic tremor and continuous volcano-seismic events were detected, and satellite imagery in July 2026 showed ongoing plume emissions from active vents, containing volcanic gases, steam, and ash. Lava effusion and flows within Lake Voui have significantly altered the crater?s geomorphology, resulting in the growth of the volcanic cone and the disappearance of the lake. Satellite data indicated continuous thermal anomalies, and high sulfur dioxide emissions confirmed ongoing degassing. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5), and the public was advised to stay outside Danger Zone B, defined as a 3-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui, and to avoid streams during heavy rains due to lahar hazards from the remobilization of residual ash.

   Observatory

   Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

   Report sources

   Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

   Global Volcanism Program, Smithsonian Institution, and U.S. Geological Survey, Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report.

   Open the original weekly report