A major operation will be needed to get thousands of people off the island of Ambae in Vanuatu as the eruption of the Manaro volcano continues.
The volcanic alert at the Manaro Voui crater is at level four with warnings of flying rocks, volcanic gas, acid rain and ash falls.
Yesterday, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwa ordered the compulsory evacuation of the island by 6 October.
At least 7000 of the island's population of more than 11,000 have already been relocated from danger zones around the volcano to evacuation centres on the western and eastern sides of the island.
Source: Radio NZ
