OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Vanuatu - Lopevi volcanic eruption
8 June 2001


The Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)  provided the
following information, through the OCHA Regional Disaster Response Advisor
for the Pacific in Suva, Fiji.


Situation and Impact

1.  On 8 June 2001 Lopevi volcano in Vanuatu erupted and its thick ash
fall covered all over nearby Paama Island. It is reported that Paama
Island turned to darkness at around 15.00 hrs (local time) on 8 June. The
ash fall is causing concern to whole population of the Paama Island. The
activity is associated with strong southeast wind currently affecting the
Vanuatu Group.

2.  Lopevi forms a small island in Vanuatu and has erupted at least 22
times since 1863, most recently in 1982.

3.  There is a potential high risk in the following areas:

   - Whole of Paama Island
   - Ambrym Island
   - Part of Malekula Island
   - Epi


4.  Lopevi volcanic activity, together with strong southeast wind, very
rough sea conditions and salty rain, is posing potential risks to the
local communities with regard to water, food, environmental impact and
transportation. It is reported that helicopters cannot land due to poor
visibility in the areas, and, therefore, only limited relief will be
available locally.


National and International Response

5.  The NDMO is monitoring the situation in cooperation with the Geology
Department. All national resources are on standby for possible assistance.
Public media releases as well as community warning have been issued.

6.  Geologists, volcanologists and seismologists are on standby to be
deployed to Lopevi to conduct on-site monitoring and risk assessment.

7.  The Vanuatu Government is coordinating arrangements for possible
assistance from the Australian Government.

8.  OCHA is in contact with relevant government authorities in Vanuatu
through its Regional Disaster Response Advisor for the Pacific, and will
revert with further information when available.

9.  This situation report, together with information on other ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers (OCHA Disaster Response Branch):
  Mr. R. Mueller / Mr. S. Matsuka Direct Tel. +41-22-917 31 31 / 40 34

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. M. Moulin-Acedo, direct Tel. +41-22-917 31 60
   (NY)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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