Latest news in Vanuatu? September 6th, 2026
06-09-2026
Seismic & Volcanic Activity
- A moderate earthquake (preliminarily measured between magnitude 5.8 and 5.9) struck the Vanuatu region, centered south near Isangel in Tafea Province. No major damage or tsunami warnings were issued.
- Volcanic activity at Mount Aoba (Ambae Island) ceased following a series of ash advisories over recent days, with the Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) confirming that volcanic ash plumes have dissipated.
- Vanuatu has formally pushed to bring its long-standing maritime and territorial dispute with France regarding Matthew and Hunter Islands before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), challenging historical claims over the surrounding Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Regional shipping bottlenecks and elevated freight costs continue to impact local supply chains across the islands, particularly affecting agricultural exports such as kava.
- Air Vanuatu has been steadily restoring regional connectivity, returning essential fleet aircraft to service following recent operational restructuring.