Development of a collaborative consistent volcano communication framework in Vanuatu: Hazard maps, education, alert levels, bulletins, signs and procedures. Graham Leonard, Esline Garaebiti, Sylvain Todman, Sandrine Cevuard, Shadrack Welegtabit, Gill Jolly and Steve Sherburn gesline@vanuatu.gov.vu g.leonard@gns.cri.nz
A consistent framework for volcanic hazards communication Part of wider 5 year project developing modern telemetered volcano monitoring, data management and interpretation. Collaboration with Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD), and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme.
Alignment of Hazard maps Background whole island Safety specific location and scenario Danger zones Education Tourism fact sheets Ash impact help Hazard awareness Volcanic Alert Levels Volcanic Alert bulletins Signs and noticeboards Harmonised VGMD and NDMO SoPs
DRR options for volcanic hazards Options depend on the hazard, there are several dangerous hazards: Bombs / ballistics (all) Pyroclastic flows (all) Mudflows lahars from crater lake (Gaua and Ambae) Mudflows lahars from rain on ash (All) Distributed vent (cone, maar, lava flow) (Ambae, Ambrym, Gaua) Lava flows (all) Ash and Gas (all)
Philosophy: No one hazard map can serve all purposes, timeframes and scenarios Consistency where possible leads to better understanding and effectiveness during crises. A framework of linked materials helps. Communication materials are designed and updated in-house at VMGD and NDMO Assistance has been to help develop the framework and create first versions that can be consulted on, used, and improved in-house
Primarily A3 Easy to print in-house (VMGD/NDMO/Resort) Easy to laminate Cheap Likely to be widely used and disseminated Special products (noticeboard etc.) still possible.
Hazard maps Background for island Safety for one area
Background Show hazard zones Explain what hazards exist in the long term from large eruptions When they may happen What to do at that time
Background for: Community awareness Contingency/evacuation planning Strategic/development planning Tourism planning Infrastructure planning Land-use planning
Safety map Show safety zones For a specific crisis for a specific part of an island/volcano Link to website for latest zones open/closed
Community ash safety Link to education
Scenario maps education, and crisis prep.
Tourism fact sheet Consistent with safety map Explain the volcano Show safety zones Give safety messages Link to website for latest zones open/closed Separate village sheets? Red Cross posters?
And for Ambrym Both edited for correct science content
Tourist points of contact consistent info Websites Booking Searching for info At accommodation On transport Laminated At entrance to track Laminated With guide Laminated
Volcanic Alert Bulletin Explains new data Gives NDMO zones open/closed message Gives other safety messages of NDMO Gives other VMGD messages like monitoring is ongoing NEEDS harmonised VMGD-NDMO SoPs Needs to help tourism
SoP development VMGD Bulletins Alert Level change Notable activity change Ash forecast useful and possible NDMO Safety messages for inclusion in Bulletins Zones open/closed Other safety advice Geohazards operations Normal Small eruption Large eruption
Web Integration And clarity NDMO website too
Updated alert levels 6 levels Danger zones no longer rigidly linked to levels
Example of Ambrym 2015 framework complete
Signage, graphic design and community validation Vanuatu Red Cross pilot 2016 Ambrym Danger zone signs Information boards Language and visual elements of maps tailored with local villages
Thanks!