The volcanic alert level for Ambrym volcano in Vanuatu has been increased from one to three.

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) said Ambrym volcano is now in a minor eruption state.

It said observations from the Ambrym volcano webcam and seismic data analysis confirm an eruption inside Benbow Crater.

It said the volcanic activity consists of a strong glow, loud explosions, gas, and steam.

The VMDG said people from Ambrym and neighboring islands may view gas plumes and observe volcanic glow.

The possibility that volcano activity will escalate to the level of moderate eruption — Level 4 — is low, for now.

(RNZ Pacific)

STRONG WINDS BATTER OAHU

Thousands across Oahu remained without power Wednesday morning after strong winds battered the island.

A high wind warning remains in effect for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Hawaii Island and Haleakala on Maui.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu canceled a high wind warning for interior and windward areas of Kauai and Oahu, along with a wind advisory that had been in effect for the rest of the state.

Earlier, the gusty winds blew off the roof at the Inn at Schofield on Kolekole Avenue in Wahiawa, according to viewer-submitted footage. The front desk told HNN that everyone is OK.

North Shore residents witnessed sparking power lines as much of the area remains without electricity.

According to NWS, Lihue had a strong gust of 46 mph shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday. Kaneohe recorded a 56 mph gust and Wheeler Army Airfield at a 37 mph gust, both at about 4 p.m.

At last check, Hawaiian Electric’s outage map revealed a total of 24 outages with over 6,000 customers impacted.

(Hawaii News Now)

HEAVY WIND WARNING FOR NORTHERN MARIANAS

Residents in the Northern Marianas have been warned heavy winds are expected through to Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Guam has issued multiple advisories for the region.

It said the Marianas can expect northeast winds gusting up to 75 kilometres an hour.

This is strong enough to bring down trees and threaten the power supply.

Because of the threat, Governor Arnold Palacios has advised residents to fasten loose objects or shelter in a safe location.

(RNZ Pacific)

FSM FILES CLAIM WITH UN OVER OCEAN AREAS

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has filed a new claim with the UN over certain ocean areas.

Last month, FSM President Wesley Simina approved a new map series that shows the FSM's maritime zones including extended continental shelves.

The Pacific Island Times reports the new map is part of an amended regulation that officially recognized the permanence of maritime boundaries and the continental shelf.

The claimed areas cover approximately 190 square kilometres, which is likely rich in natural resources.

The president's office said these claims may be subject to overlapping claims by neighboring nations.

They are also subject to examination by the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Portions of the marked territories are also being claimed by Palau and Japan.

(RNZ Pacific)

SOLOMON ISLANDS’ ONE- CHINA POLICY

The Solomon Islands caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed his country's allegiance to the One China Policy.

It comes after Nauru announced its diplomatic switch away from Taiwan.

Manele called for international respect for China's sovereignty over Taiwan, while Taipei strongly disputes Beijing's position.

The Chinese Embassy in Honiara applauded the Solomon Islands' firm adherence to the One-China principle.

It said the result of the Taiwan election cannot change the underlying dynamic and future direction of Cross-Strait relations.

Taiwan now has 12 diplomatic allies left, including Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands.

(RNZ Pacific)

REMAINS USED IN RITUAL?

Tonga Police say the discovery of human remains at Yellow Pier in Nuku'alofa is no longer being treated as a homicide.

Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea told Matangi Tonga a head was found at the pier by two fishermen early on Christmas Day.

He said the post-mortem report revealed it was separated from the body after death.

Vailea said it is now thought the remains were used in a ritual by someone who had supernatural beliefs.

Police are looking out for graves that may have been destroyed.

(RNZ Pacific)

CHINA AMBASSADOR TO SAMOA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

China's new Ambassador to Samoa has presented his credentials in Apia.

Fei Mingxing replaces Chao Xiaoliang, who completed his diplomatic tour of duty last month.

Samoa and China established diplomatic relations in 1975.

Fei held various senior positions within the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

(RNZ Pacific)

COOK ISLANDS TOURISM

The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott said there are more tourists this December and January then a year ago.

Scott, who also the general manager of Muri Beach Club Hotel, said the industry is feeling optimistic about the year ahead.

However, she said February is always quiet and local operators are advertising staycations to fill the gaps.

"Most places are pretty optimistic and they're optimistic because the forward [bookings] are actually looking pretty good," Scott said.

"February seems to be the low months that no matter what special you have out in the market, it really doesn't move too much. So it's a very good time to get in the rooms and do maintenance and get some bigger jobs done."

Scott said numbers are looking good from March onwards out of both New Zealand and Australia.

Tourism CEO Karla Eggleton says at the beginning of the year the national tourist office had forecasted to welcome about 130,000 visitors to the island.

But Eggleton was ecstatic upon receiving the numbers for November, saying its speaks volumes to the post-COVID Cook Islands experience.

"Without counting December visitor arrivals we're already over the 130,000 mark. I think that that's a really great place for the Cook Islands to end 2023 and a wonderful benchmark to start 2024," she said.

The industry has contributed to 75 percent the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) in the last quarter of 2023, according to the economic planning department.

(RNZ Pacific)