29 Jun 2019 | 07:44 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Mandatory evacuations issued for two eruptions June 29 /update 2
Government issues mandatory evacuation orders for 15,000 people near Mount Ulawun (West New Britain province); flight disruptions continue on New Britain and “red” aviation warning issued for Mount Manam (Madang province)
Event
The Papua New Guinea government issued mandatory evacuation orders for 15,000 villagers near Mount Ulawun (West New Britain province) as of Saturday, June 29. At least 120,000 people in total are estimated to be affected by the ongoing eruption, which has covered a large area with ash. Hoskins Airport (HKN) remains closed due to ashfall and lava flows have reportedly covered areas of the island's main road near Ulawun.
Meanwhile, Mount Manam (Madang province) has been erupting since Friday, June 28, spewing ash to a height of 15 km (50,000 ft). The Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) was changed to "red," its highest warning level. Flight disruptions are possible in northern Papua New Guinea.
Context
Mount Ulawun began erupting on Wednesday, June 26. Authorities declared a state of emergency and have deployed the military to assist with relief and evacuation efforts.
Mount Manam erupted on Friday, June 28; Manam previously erupted in 2014, killing five people and displacing 3000.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and local weather and volcanology reports, avoid the area, anticipate transportation disruptions, including flight cancelations, confirm flight and other travel reservations, wear respiratory masks and other protective clothing if in the affected areas, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuations).
