From: Disaster Information Administrator
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 95 16:08:23 EST
Subject: Vanuatu: Volcano Alert  DHA-02

                    VANUATU - VOLCANIC ALERT
               DHA-GENEVA INFORMATION REPORT NO.2
                          17 MARCH 1995

1. DHA REPRESENTATIVE IN FIJI REPORTS THAT VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON
AMBAE ISLAND DROPPED SLIGHTLY BUT STILL REMAINS AS HIGH THREAT.
LAKE VUI, SITUATED ON MAIN CRATER, IS NOW DRY.  POOR WEATHER
CONDITIONS PREVENTING CLOSER ANALYSIS.

2. AMBAE ISLAND REMAINS UNDER ALERT STATUS, BUT NO EVACUATION
TAKEN PLACE TO DATE.  GOVT COMPLETED OPERATIONAL RESPONSE PLAN.
VILLAGES WITHIN 10KM RADIUS IDENTIFIED AS BEING UNDER IMMEDIATE
THREAT, AND THOSE WITHIN 5KM RADIUS PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR
IMMEDIATE EVACUATION.  EVACUATION CENTERS IDENTIFIED.  ALL
AVAILABLE GOVT AND SEVERAL PRIVATE SHIPS POSITIONED TO ASSIST
IN POSSIBLE EVACUATION.

3. 16-PERSON TEAM FROM VANUATU MOBIL FORCE (PARAMILITARY)
DEPLOYED ON 15 MARCH TO ASSIST LOCAL LEADERS IN EVACUATION
PREPARATION. FRENCH RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND
AND COOPERATION  (ORSTROM) OFFICERS ARRIVING ON 17 MARCH
TO ASSIST LOCAL OFFICIALS.

4. DHA, THROUGH ITS LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES, CONTINUES TO MONITOR
DEVELOPMENTS.
             + DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS - GENEVA +
TELEPHONE : +41-22/917.12.34
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ONLY, TELEPHONE: +41-22/917.20.10
DESK OFFICER: MS. K. GOTOH,  DIRECT TEL. +41-22/917.31.58
PRESS TO CONTACT: MRS. M. MOULIN-ACEVEDO, DIRECT TEL. 917.28.56
ELECTRONIC MAIL: UNIENET DIALCOM 141: DHAGVA
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