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Thursday, 8 December 2005, 16:09 GMT

In pictures: Vanuatu volcano

Steam billows above Mount Manaro on Ambae island

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A huge cloud of steam rises over Ambae, one of 83 islands making up the Pacific chain of Vanuatu.

Steam billows from Lake Vui, in the volcano crater of Mount Manaro

Steam billows from Lake Vui, in the volcano crater of Mount Manaro

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The crater of Ambae's Mount Manaro has been bubbling since 27 November, spewing out steam, gas and ash.

Steam billows above Mount Manaro on Ambae island

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There are fears that if Manaro does erupt it will unleash a devastating mud stream from a lake inside its crater.

Displaced villagers from south Ambae

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Half the island's 10,000 residents have been evacuated from their villages on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcano.

Displaced villagers from south Ambae

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Villagers said they fled with the bare essentials to makeshift camps near the coast when ash began to fall on them.

Local vulcanologist Charlie Douglas (right) with New Zealand colleague Brad Scot

Local vulcanologist Charlie Douglas (right) with New Zealand colleague Brad Scot

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Vulcanologists keep a check on activity while four ships are on standby, ready to evacuate the whole island if necessary.

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Related to this story:
Thousands flee Vanuatu volcano (06 Dec 05 | Asia-Pacific )
Country profile: Vanuatu (16 Jun 04 | Country profiles )

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