Vanuatu

Natural disasters and severe weather in Vanuatu includes:

Get updates on weather conditions, forecasts, natural disaster watches and warnings before and during your stay.

Monitor local and regional weather and disaster sites, and then plan accordingly.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place

• monitor local media and other sources

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in contact with your friends and family at home

More information:

Cyclones and other natural disasters may affect tourist services. Ask your tour operator about services at your destination.

Tropical storms and cyclones

Vanuatu’s Northern and Central Provinces have been impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold. Regular services such as accommodation, transportation, medical services and basic supplies are being re-established. Communications are being restored but may be intermittent. Monitor local sources of information for the latest developments. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

The Vanuatu Natural Disaster Management Office has a colour-coded cyclone alert system. This includes safety procedures to follow during a cyclone threat. You can also find this advice in the Vanuatu telephone directory.

The cyclone season is from November to May. Tropical storms and cyclones can also happen in other months.

Flooding and landslides can damage infrastructure and disrupt essential services.

The direction and strength of tropical cyclones can change suddenly.

If a cyclone or tropical storm occurs:

• you may get stuck in the area

• flights could be delayed or suspended

• available flights may fill quickly

• the storm may affect access to seaports

• adequate shelter may not be available

To prepare for a cyclone or tropical storm:

Monitor advice from the Vanuatu Natural Disaster Management Office.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes occur regularly in Vanuatu. Tsunamis happen but are infrequent.

A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with:

If there’s a tsunami warning or you hear tsunami warning sirens in Port Vila or you feel a long and strong tremor:

Volcanoes

Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, including several under-sea volcanoes.

Volcanoes are active on the islands of:

• Tanna

• Ambae

• Ambrym

• Lopevi

• Vanua Lava

• Gaua

Visiting an active volcano is risky.

Pay attention to alerts. Alert levels go from 0 (normal, low-level activity) to 5 (very large eruption, island-wide danger).

A Level 3 alert triggers warnings to avoid the volcano summit and nearby areas. Even at lower levels, explosions and injuries from volcanic debris are possible.

Alert levels and access to volcanoes can change quickly. Contact the Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department or the Vanuatu Tourism Office for advice before travelling to volcanic areas.

If there’s a volcanic eruption:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government