ambrym volcanic activity situation

GOVERNMENT
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
GOUVERNEMENT
DE LA
REPUBLIQUE DE
VANUATU
MINISTRY OF
INTERNAL AFFAIRS
MINISTERE DE
L’INTERIEUR
Private Mail Bag 036
PORT VILA
Tel: 22252 Tel/Fax: 27064
Sae Postal Prive 036
PORT VILA
Tel: 22252 Tel/Fax: 27064
AMBRYM VOLCANIC ACTIVITY SITUATION
AS OF 3RD APRIL 2009
Introduction
Ambrym volcano showed signs of a significant activity since December 2008. The activity is
observed by the Geohazards team from the department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources
in January 2009. The latest site-Observation on the volcano was conducted in the mid of March
2009. This observation confirmed the increase of the activity, the active vents of the craters of
Marum and Benbow have multiplied in less than 2 months and the emission of volcanic gases is
also increasing. This is the manifestation of the beginning of an new eruptive phase, the impact
on the population and the environment of Ambrym and surrounding islands, especially the
western part of Ambrym island, is remarkable. It is imperative for the authorities to take
initiatives to closely monitor the volcano activity and get the population prepared to face the
immediate and long term impacts of such natural Hazard.
Background
Ambrym volcano is a large volcano formed about 1900 years ago, and closely followed by the
formation of the craters of Marum and Benbow. Past eruptions has led to the formation of the
main Volcano craters of Marum, the Mbwelesu, Niri Mbwelesu, and Memben Mbwlesu that are
also permanently active.
Volcano activity has been continuing since then and is still continues today. Major historical
eruptions are of different types. There have been explosive eruptions from the central vents
(which begun and have been continuous since the formation of the craters, and still ongoing) and
lava flows from the volcano fissures on the flanks (1888, 1894-1895,1912-1929, 1950-1953, ,
1964-1966, 1981, 1988-1989). The eruptions of Ambrym volcano can lead to extreme degassing
(for instance - 20,000 tone of SO2 per day in March 2005)..
Many of these historical records of volcanic activities involved evacuation of the population on
the island, with one of the most notable events being the eruption of 1894, which resulted in the
evacuation of Dip Point. The eruption of 1913 destroyed the lonwolwol hospital at Dip Point
along with 21 victims while another eruption in 1929, saw evacuations between Craig Cove and
1
Sessivi. The latest evacuation of the population in Ambrym, due to volcanic eruption, was in
1951 with the evacuation of residents on the southern part of Ambrym to Epi Island and Efate.
Vanuatu is sitting on a time-bomb normally and scientists have predict that a serious volcanic
eruption can happen every 50-100 years. The last serious eruption on Ambrym occurred in 1951
which is now 58 years, therefore, it is now showing signs of becoming dangerous which now
demands the government to constantly monitor and prepare a disaster plan in place. Latest
eruption in Tonga submarine volcano has caused the pacific volcanic plate activated, which also
trigger our volcanic activities throughout the country.
Current Vocanic Activity and Impacts
On January 29th 2009, the Geo-Hazards team witnessed the beginning of an important eruption
phase of both Ambrym volcanoes (Bembow and Marum).
This activity was confirmed by January OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite pictures,
with an average of 15000 tons of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) gas emission on the day of eruption.
Marum volcano produced an ash plume rising 2 km in height. The team also witnessed the
impact of the ash fall and the emission of volcanic gases on the people and the vegetations of
West Ambrym (indicated by blue water inside tank and damaged crops).
Photo 1 : Ash fall emissions (over Benbow side)
Photo 2: Marum (Mbwelesu crater) eruption on 29
January 2009, 2:58 p.m.
This activity was closely monitored with the support of West Ambrym community who have
been providing monthly reports to the geo-hazards team. The last report on March 10th 2009) has
demonstrated a sudden increase in volcanic activity coupled by constant heavy acid rain.
The last and most recent observation made by the Geo-Hazards team verified the increased
activity of Marum and Benbow volcanoes. Benbow volcano ejected ash and gas frequently,
towards the western direction and Marum maintained a constant gas plume from its principal
vents (Memben Mbwlesu, Niri Mbwlesu, Mbwelesu, Old Marum). At the moment volcanic
eruption is posing threat to water source for the communities of Ambrym especially the water
catchment from SO2 gas contamination in all water tansks and well have turned blue due to
acidic rain with the level of ph less than 4. This is not safe for drinking. Under WHO standards
for safe drinking ph level is 7.
Photo 3: Bembow gas plume, March 17th 2009
Photo 4: Bembow activity, A: Central crater (3
active events), B: Strombolian activity of central
crater, C: North crater activity
Photo 5: Marum activity, A: old event active, B: Mbwelesu crater, C: Niri Mbwelesu crater, D: Memben
Mbwelesu crater
Observed consequences
The Geohazards team has to confirm the impact of the important activity of Ambrym
volcanoes. The team has decided to follow-up the following issues as consequences of
the recent volcanic activity on the Western and Northern part of Ambrym Island:
1) Acidity and quality of rain water inside fiberglass tanks and concrete wells:
Acid rain from volcano is one of the most dangerous direct impacts of a significant
volcanic eruption. The geohazards team has decided to cover the whole West Ambrym
Area.
The team has tried to select the most representative water reservoir for each village,
although some village has more than 10 different wells or tanks. Moreover, due to the
short time to cover the whole West Ambrym area it was the most efficient solution. The
Geo-Hazard Team decided to focus on the water thanks or wells that are used for
drinking by the communities, avoiding reservoir used for swimming or washing.
Most of the time, the team has encountered blue and opaque water inside the rain water
wells selected (see photo 6). The team decided to select fiberglass tank and concrete
wells both due to their capability to react (or not) with acid rain. Generally, cement from
concrete wells temporizes acidity of rain water.
Photo 6: Blue and opaque water of concrete well demonstrate existence of sulfur dioxide (pH: 5,22)
The acidity of the water is measured by its “pH”. Naturally the rain water has a pH value
between 6 and 7 (value of a neutral water has a pH of 7). The rain is acid (Acid rain)
when its pH is under 5.6. The result of the quick campaign of the team indicates that
most of the samples pH is less than 5.6. The most affected people are the schools,
community centers, cooperatives and in general those who own or have access to
fiberglass tanks, as this tank material does not alter the acidity of rain water. The map
below summarizes these results:
Fig.2: West Ambrym water pH measurements map
The
red
spots
represent
water
samples with a very
low pH (very acid
water, fewer than
5).
Unfortunately these
water samples are
located
within
important
population density area, as in:
-
Craig Cove community center
Baiap community center and dispensary
-
Port Vato Secondary school
-
Sessivi Primary school
-
Bulemap Primary school
-
Lollibolo Primary school
The 4,000 people living in the western part of Ambrym are being affected; however
responsible agencies should do further assessment and redefine the total number of
population affected.
This information is issued from the findings of the Geo-Hazards team. The Ministry of
Health with the collaboration of the WHO and UNICEF should continue the assessment
in a wider coverage for further findings.
Affected gardens:
The heavy rains characterizing the current wet season is washing gardens and thus
exposing them to acid rain. There have already been evidences of trees half destroyed
by acid rain. Important to note also, is the approaching dry season which will most
probably increase the acidity in the acid rain and destroy more crops than what is being
observed currently.
Photo 7: contaminated Banana tree
Photo 8: Contaminated papaya tree
More investigation need to be realized by the Ministry of Agriculture as fruits,
vegetables and root crops are durably affected by acid rain. The photos above show the
direct effect of acid rain on trees and leaves, however impact on crops, roots (manioc,
taro, yam), and fruits quality need to be quantified.
Ambrym Volcanic Risk Map
Volcanic risk map of Ambrym is divided into three parts. The red colour is high risk zone, the
yellow colour is moderate risk and green colour is low risk. However, the current ash-fall and
acid rain is associated with rain and wind, therefore, due to wind direction it can covers whole of
Ambrym in a changing wind direction.
Ambrym Volcanic Risk
™ Currently, all catchment water source (ie Water tanks Fiberglass and concrete well) in
every communities and schools in West and North Ambrym are highly contaminated with
Acid Rain. (ref to map photo above). Once water turn crystal blue it means it contains
sulphur dioxide.
™ All Acid rain during this season have sunk and now crops are consuming the same into
root crops as well as fruits and it is not safe for human consumption especially babies and
older similar to 2005 Eruption and Acid Rain but very serious since the level of ph is
below 4.
™ There is health risk from acidic rain which will cause acid infection in stomach of
children and older which can lead to stomach pain (grastic bleeding) and respiratory
infections such as (ARI/Asthma ) when breathing in the sulphur dioxide gas.
™ Lack of Ambrym Volcano Disaster and Emergency Plan in Place, because Malampa
Province has no Provincial Disaster Officer.
™ Lack of permanent Volcanic monitoring equipment on Ambrym and other volcano as
well..this is a big risk to the country as a whole, as there are a lot of volcano in Vanuatu.
™ Apart from the above here are the Ambrym Volcanic Risks:
o Lava flow
o Tephra (explosion within the Grater)
o Ash fall
o SO2 gases
Ambrym Volcano Alert Levels System (AVALS)
The Ambrym Volcano Alert Level System (AVALS) is a standard alert systems established to
management different levels of volcanic activities as determine by the Scientists during
monitoring of Ambrym volcano. The Current level of Volcano is at LEVEL 2. Whilst the
activity is at level 2, the impact of Acid Rain is a concern to human lives.
AVALS Descriptions
Volcano Alert Level (VAL)
Group 1 (Yasur, Lopevi, Group 2 (Ambae, Gaua,
Ambrym)
Vanua Lava)
0
Normal Low-level activity
1
Increased activity, danger near Signs of awakening
crater only
2
Moderate eruptions, danger Confirmation of awakening,
close to the volcano vent, Minor eruptions and danger
within parts of Red Zone
near to crater within parts of
Red Zone.
3
Large eruption, danger in Moderate to large eruption,
specific areas within Red and danger in Red Zone and parts
Yellow Zones.
of Yellow Zone.
4
Very large eruption, islandwide danger (including areas
within Red Yellow and Green
Zones) and potential impacts
on neighbouring islands.
Normal, Quiet
Very large eruption, islandwide danger (including areas
within Red, Yellow and Green
Zones and potential impacts
on neighbouring island.
Disaster Risk Management Program and Benefit
Priority 1.
™ Short term benefit
o to reduce health risk and to safe lives
o to install volcanic monitoring equipment on site for timely information on the
level of activity for the purpose of making right decisions.
o Deploy Volcanology to monitor the activity.
o Deploy technical assessment and awareness team.
o Assess water situation and activate re-supply of fresh water to vulnerable
communities for consumption including schools.
o Conduct water testing for more results from West/North and South East
Ambrym.
o Develop Food aid program in place.
o Rural Water supply to develop a contingency plan to address the need of
installing bore holes water source in all volcanic islands and to discourage use of
rain water tanks.
o Setup a Provincial Disaster Risk Management Committee at Malampa Province
and at West Ambrym to engage the Area Secretaries, Police, Health, Education,
chiefs, women leaders, church leaders to be on alerts and to provide community
information on impact of volcano back to NDC.
o Set up onsite EOC at Crag Cove.
o Promote disaster preparedness and Volcano response planning at community and
Provincial level.
Priority 2
™ Mid-term benefit
o Provide similar monitoring and assessment to other islands such as Gaua, Ambae,
Lopevi, and Submarine Volcano in Tongoa and Tanna
o Provide similar monitoring and assessment on other islands such as South
Malekula, Epi and Paama.
o Consider better decision on Water projects in volcanic risk communities and
schools.
Priority 3
™ Long term benefit
o Use scientific and technical information on Ambrym Volcanic risk in decision
making process.
o Use scientific and technical information on Ambrym Volcanic risk in
development project planning.
o Ensure all communities are aware of their volcanic risks as well as to be
responsive to different level of volcanic activity and to take precaution as
appropriate.
Ambrym Volcano DRR & DM Action Plan
Upon receipt reports on the Alerts of Ambrym Volcano, the Government has taken a proactive
Steps in approving this Action Plan with the budget. However, Evacuation operation has not
been included in the budget, noting that this is a slow onset disaster where the government would
want to address as it develops. Pending on situation this figures may change.
This is current Government commitment.
Output Component
Costs
1. Deployment of Scientific Monitoring and Technical
Assessment and Awareness team
2. Monitoring Equipment hire and aerial survey
3. Volcano program coordinator and 3 x international
scientists
4. Emergency Water Re-supply operation
5. Food Aid program for 2 months
6. Ambrym Volcano Preparedness & Evacuation
Planning
7. Water bore hole and undercround water projects
installation
8. Travelling/susbsistance and freight costs
9.. Logistic Cost/Miscellaneous
2 000 000vt
Total
31 000 000vt
2 000 000vt
4 000 000vt
2,000,000 vt
11,000,000 vt
3.500 ,000 vt
5. 000 000 vt
1, 000 000 vt
500,000 vt
Affected Population
The total population of Ambrym is over 9,000 people estimated to be directly affected. This
population figures were based on over 40 villages on Ambrym. However, the Vanuatu Red
Cross Society is task to ensure all are registered. This population figure has not taken into
account other people coming from other islands and working on Ambrym as well as schools.
Most affected is the western part of Ambrym with the total estimated population of 4,000 people,
however, confirm figures will be provided by the Statistic office..
Relocation/Evacuation Centres
This information shall be made available at the completion of assessment teams from the island,
however, Ambrym Volcanic Eruption has a lot of history. As a result of previous eruptions,
people from Ambrym have moved and established villages in Malekula, Epi, Paama and Efate.
Responses:
Community Responses
The following are community responses so far:
Community leadership is activated at all level of the island
Onsite Monitoring.
Initial Community awareness and information dissemination.
Encourage the communities of high risks villages to moved voluntary out
People are encourage to empty their water tanks and wells and use under ground water
source in stead.
Voluntarily activating ware-resupply from clean water sources.
Malampa Provincial Responses
Malampa Disaster Committee activated to assume Coordination role. The following are the
response program MDC:
Malampa Headquarter is coordinating all activities at Provincial level.
Establish Provincial EOC at Lakatoro and plans in place to establish one in Crag Cove
and manned by Police officers.
Initial deployment of three rapid assessment teams and awareness to North, West and
SEA Ambrym commencing 3rd April 2009..
Plan the Coordination of water re-supply operation.
Plan the Coordination of local food aid from nearby islands of Malampa Province.
Set up food committee, accommodation committee and transport committee to address
various concerns on Ambrym.
Assess relocation centres.
Conduct of daily brief at the Provincial HQ.
Formulation of Provincial Reports to NDC..
Support National Teams on Grounds.
o Challenges at Provincial Level
Initially Malampa Province has limited financial resources to undertake such an operation
on its own.
Limited capacity to activate and conduct such a volcano disaster operation for the entire
island.
Coordination between Malampa and NDC needed a lot of improvement.
Communication limitations
Priority Humanitarian needs
Apart from the areas of needs, it is common that these would be an obvious needs to be
addressed especially when activating such volcanic response operations;
Fresh Water re-supply operations to all main centres within island communities first.
Allocation and deployment of Health and medical supplies to Ambrym.
Vaccinations/Medical check
Local Food aid supplies requirement for two months and coordination
Procurement of Extra temporary shelter for stockpiling in case there is evacuation order
issue by the Government.
Taking care of our special needs. ( disable people of different nature, mentally affected,
orderly, etc.).
National Government Response
Council of Ministers to approve 31,000,000 vt to cover phase 1 of our operation plan.
Daily coordination meeting under the National Disaster Committee Chairmanship of the
Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Scientist s deployed to Ambrym to do some monitoring of the activity.
The NDC has activated all technical line ministries to activate their response plans.
Ministry of Health is developing a deployment Plan . Standby and mobile health kids are
being prepared to be deploy to various care centres on Ambrym.
Prepare Rapid Technical Assessment and Awareness teams to whole of Ambrym.
Information catering and dissemination
National Challenges
Lack of logistic stockpiling on Ambrym.
Lack of National scientists.
Lack of Volcano monitoring equipment.
Lack of seismic monitoring equipment.
Limited Logistic availability
Poor Road condition and infrastructure on Ambrym and is not safe in times of
emergency manoeuvre. Therefore, it needs maintenance.
Limited National Capacities – technical services.
Limited water supply infrastructure development on the island.
Potential External Assistance
Provision of Technical Assistance in terms of
o Volcanic and Seismic monitoring equipment
o
Volcanic specialist x 3
Logistic support in times of evacuation process. (by Air/Vessel)
Underground water Bore hole program/project
Desalination plant
Possible food /water re-supply support assistance to affected communities for 2 months.
Possible medical assistance with equipment/medical supplies/Field Hospital and human
resource.
Provision of TA to support in developing Ambrym Volcano Evacuation plan..
Water purification tablets.
Portable Water testing kids
Field Water tanks/Portable water containers.
Possibility of Financial assistance should Vanuatu Disaster fund be limited.
Prepared by National Disaster Committee - 3rd April 2009.
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