The Vanuatu government has confirmed all the evacuees from the volcanic island of Ambae will be repatriated.
The 11-thousand strong population was moved off earlier this month after the Manaro volcano began erupting and threatened food and water supplies.
Thousands of people were evacuated off Ambae Photo: Nixon Garae Tambeana
The Council of Ministers said the repatriation will only begin once the Disaster Management Office had analysed the logistics and prepared a plan.
The council said it will take responsibility for returning the evacuees.
It's also agreed to extend the state of emergency "to facilitate the repatriation".
The prime minster Charlot Salwai will perform custom ceremonies from today in Santo, Pentecost and Maewo to thank chiefs and the people of the islands for hosting the evacuees.