Vanuatu's Lopevi Island volcano has been declared a 'no go' zone following an announcement it is undergoing an eruption.
The Meteorological and Geo-Hazard Department says Lopevi, which is between Ambrym and Epi islands, and only five kilometres from Paama Island, stands the risk of a major eruption.
Lopevi is a cone-shaped island with occasional smoke seen at the top.
In 2001, Lopevi's ash cloud and gas severely damaged Paama's food gardens and water source, and residents suffered from respiratory problems as a result.
