Ambae was evacuated last year when the volcano erupted, smothering the island in ash. Photo: Philippe Carillo - Fusion productions Ltd
Vanuatu's Council of Ministers has approved a plan to restore services to the island of Ambae.
More than 10,000 residents were evacuated last year when a volcano blanketed the island in ash.
The government has now backed a plan to distribute food, re-open clinics, restore phone services and support the safe return of the island's residents.
The Vanuatu Red Cross's Augustine Garae said some people have already established new lives on other islands, but many more are keen to return to Ambae.
"[It's] in black and white, like they have stated very clear that they have to restore back all the services on the island of Ambae immediately and that people, they can move back to the island," said Mr Garae.
"Last week on the 16th of this month there's a COM's paper, the Council of Ministers paper, in black and white, like they have stated very clear that they have to restore back all the services on the island of Ambae immediately and that people, they can move back to the island. So that's what's happened right now."
A chief from Ambae has welcomed the announcement, saying food supplies are needed while they wait for gardens to re-establish themselves.
