Are Local Villagers Affected By Volcanic Activity?
A. Yes, very much so. While Mount Yasur has pyrocalstic eruptions and has been responsible for causing a tsunami, it is volcanic ash fallout that really affects local villagers. Their gardens, crops and drinking water suffer enormous damage due to the nature and extent of volcanic ash. Ash clouds from Mount Yasur can reach over 6,500 feet and travel considerable distances. Cash is not a common commodity in the outer islands so local villagers are subsistence farmers in that they depend on their gardens for food. Fresh drinking water is also essential for their survival. As a result of volcanic ash fallout, these villagers have experienced severe food and water shortages over recent years. Ash mud landslides have also destroyed whole villages. When you visit Mt Yasur, you are not only in for the treat of a lifetime, you are also helping to provide much-needed employment to the indigenous Ni Vanuatu whose crops, homes and livelihood can, and have been destroyed, by the awesome power of Y
