Volcano island residents afraid to return

Disaster authorities in Vanuatu are considering how to look after thousands of homeless evacuees if the Ambae volcano's activity does not die down.

Dozens of evacuation centres are now up and running for the 11,000 evacuees but a more permanent solution may need to be found.

Thousands of people are being housed in Penama and Sanma provinces after the Manaro Voui volcano began belching ash and smoke two weeks a go.

After a slow start, authorities in Vanuatu are finally getting on top of managing the dozens of evacuation centres hosting thousands of evacuees from Ambae.

This has been achieved with the assistance of New Zealand, Australia and France and local and international NGOs as well as through the widespread support of local host communities and individuals.

The Red Cross's Shirley Johnson said many challenges remain. She said it was a challenge to care for vulnerable groups.