People have been evacuated from an island in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu due to volcanic activity.
The government of has declared a state of emergency for the island of Ambae.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its travel advice to the country yesterday.
The immediate compulsory evacuation of the population of Ambae to the neighbouring island of Maewo has been ordered due to ongoing volcanic activity, the FCO said.
“If you’re in Vanuatu you’re advised to follow the advice of the local authorities, including the evacuation order,” the FCO added.
“Vanuatu lies on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ and regularly experiences natural disasters, including cyclones, volcanic activity, earthquakes and tsunamis, with over 2,000 seismic events reported each year.
“Alert levels and accessibility to volcanoes can change quickly.”
Vanuatu is about two and half hours flying time from Brisbane and three hours from Auckland in New Zealand.