The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) is urging schools, teachers, students and school communities across Vanuatu to remain alert and take appropriate safety measures in the event of volcanic ashfall.

From a press release it states that the advisory, issued through the Department of Education and Services on 31 August 2026, is particularly directed at schools on Ambae and other islands that could be affected by volcanic ash.

MoET says volcanic ash can pose risks to the health and safety of students, teachers and communities.

Ash can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, make breathing difficult, contaminate drinking water and food, and add significant weight to school roofs, potentially causing structural damage.

Schools urged to prepare

MoET is asking schools to ensure their School Disaster Management Committees and staff are familiar with their contingency plans and know the locations of safe shelters and evacuation areas.

Schools are also being encouraged to monitor official volcanic information and warnings from the Vanuatu Geohazards Department, National Disaster Management Office and local authorities.

Emergency supplies should also be available, including safe drinking water, food, first-aid supplies, masks or suitable cloth coverings, torches and communication equipment.

Schools are being advised to protect water tanks and other drinking-water sources from ash contamination and ensure teachers know how to account for all students during an emergency.

Appropriate drills and awareness activities should also be conducted so students know what to do if ashfall occurs.

What students should do during ashfall

When volcanic ash begins to fall, schools should keep students and staff indoors in classrooms or other safe buildings, with doors and windows closed to prevent ash from entering.

Students and staff should avoid breathing volcanic ash. Where available, an appropriate dust mask should be used. If a mask is unavailable, a clean cloth covering the nose and mouth can be used as a temporary measure.

Students should not play or remain outside during ashfall unless authorities instruct otherwise.

MoET also warns that volcanic ash can contaminate rainwater tanks, wells and other water sources.

Schools should keep water tanks and wells covered and follow advice from health and WASH authorities about the safety of drinking water.

Schools warned about roof damage

Heavy ash accumulation can place significant additional weight on school roofs and may cause damage or collapse, particularly in weaker structures.

Schools are advised to monitor roofs for heavy ash accumulation, bending, sagging or other signs of structural weakness.

Students must not climb onto roofs to clean volcanic ash.

Roof cleaning should only be carried out by adults when it is considered safe and appropriate. It should also be avoided while ash is actively falling if doing so creates additional risk.

If an evacuation is ordered

If the Vanuatu Geohazards Department, NDMO, MoET or another authorised authority orders a community to evacuate, schools must follow the official instructions immediately.

Teachers must account for all students before leaving and again when they reach the designated evacuation location.

Students should remain together and under teacher supervision, with priority assistance given to young children, students with disabilities and anyone requiring additional support.

Schools and students must not return until authorities confirm that it is safe.

Specific warning for Ambae

MoET is particularly reminding schools on Ambae to remain alert to official information concerning Manaro Vui and ensure their School Disaster Management Committees and contingency plans are ready to respond.

The Vanuatu Geohazards Department information referenced in the MoET advisory identifies Manaro Vui at Alert Level 3 – Minor Eruption, with a volcanic hazards danger zone around the active vent in Lake Vui.

Schools and communities are reminded to respect all exclusion and danger zones identified in official VGD warnings.

MoET says schools must continue to follow the latest official volcanic alert from VGD, instructions from NDMO and directives from the Ministry.

Message to students

MoET has issued a simple message for students to remember during volcanic ashfall:

STOP – GO INSIDE – COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH – PROTECT YOUR EYES – STAY CALM – LISTEN TO YOUR TEACHER – FOLLOW THE SCHOOL CONTINGENCY PLAN.

Students are also being told not to go near the volcano or restricted areas, play outside during ashfall, drink contaminated water, eat food covered with ash, climb onto roofs or unnecessarily touch or disturb volcanic ash.

MoET says school safety is everyone’s responsibility and is urging school communities to prepare, protect, stay informed, follow instructions and keep students safe.

Photo credit: Ambaebulu School