Volcano Spewing Ash over South Pacific Nation.

(Dive Travel Business News - April 21, 2010) -- The Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu is making plans to evacuate nearly 3000 people as a volcano started spewing ash clouds. The Mt. Garat volcano on the Island of Gaua in Vanuatu's northern Torbo Province, began erupting in September last year.  But mud flow, ash fall and explosions have increased in the last couple of weeks, forcing evacuation preparations to nearby Vanualava Island.

Fumes and ash showering the island had become a health hazard. The water level in the crater lake had been rising and there are fears mud could flow in to populated areas. The water supply has become contaminated and the ashfall is also affecting food crops in the South Pacific nation.  The volcano has erupted 13 times since 1963.

Vanuatu is a chain of 83 tropical islands 1000 miles east of northern Australia. Diving in Vanuatu is concentrated in two centers - The main island of Efate where the capital of Vila is located and the northern island of Espiritu Santo, a one-hour flight from Vila. Santo is the main attraction because it is home to the largest accessible shipwreck in the world - the "S.S.President Coolidge".

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