Acid rain has been falling on Ambae island in Vanuatu as the Manaro Voui volcano continues to erupt.
On Friday, the country’s Council of Ministers approved a plan to help communities affected by ash and acid rain.
A team from the National Disaster Management Office is travelling to Ambae to study the damage and decide which areas should be declared disaster zones. The government has set aside 20 million vatu (dollars) to support the work.
Climate change minister Ralph Regenvanu said the volcano is currently at alert level three. This means people are not required to leave the island, but those who feel unsafe are encouraged to move to safer areas.
Officials say acid rain and thick ash are harming crops and water supplies. The ash contains chemicals that can burn plants and make water more acidic.
Experts warn that uncovered water tanks and wells may become unsafe to use. However, water from deeper boreholes is believed to be safer.
The ash cloud has spread beyond Ambae and reached several nearby islands. These include Santo, Malakula, Pentecost and Ambrym.
Some residents say the volcano is very loud and can be heard far away. People on nearby islands reported that the noise was so strong it was difficult to hear others speaking.
Scientists say the volcano is part of a chain of very active volcanoes in Vanuatu. The ash plumes from the latest eruptions have risen about four kilometres into the sky.
Authorities are reminding people to stay at least three kilometres away from the crater.
