3 Aug 2018

Warning for Ambae people moving to Santo

2:20 pm on 3 August 2018

A community leader from the Vanuatu island of Santo is warning people fleeing the volcanic eruption on Ambae to think again about settling there.

Ambae volcano ash

Photo: Philippe Carillo - Fusion productions Ltd

The government has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Ambae, where crops have been smothered and water supplies contaminated.

The government has reached an agreement with the nearby island of Maewo, where chiefs have agreed to accept the Ambaeans and set aside land.

But many Ambaeans want to go to Santo, the country's biggest island

The prime minister has said Ambaeans who wish to move to Santo or another island can do so, but at their own cost.

Meanwhile, a community leader from Big Bay on Santo has asked any Ambaean planning to move to Santo to think again, warning that getting access to land may be difficult.

Ashfall on Ambae

Ashfall on Ambae Photo: Philippe Carillo - Fusion productions Ltd

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