19 Jul 2023 | 09:02 AM UTC
PNG: Increased volcanic activity reported at Mount Bagana Volcano in Bougainville as of July 19 /update 1
Increased volcanic activity reported at Mount Bagana Volcano in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, as of July 19. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Authorities have observed increased levels of volcanic activity at Mount Bagana Volcano in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville as of July 19. A new eruptive episode began at the volcano around June 10 and several explosive eruptions have occurred since July 7; a powerful eruption late July 14 produced a volcanic ash plume that rose to an estimated altitude of around 16,500 meters (54,000 feet). Authorities are evacuating more than 10,000 people from more than 20 villages in Torokina and Wakunai Local Level Government (LLG) areas in the vicinity of the volcano to Piva District Station in Torokina and Wakunai District Station.
Heavy ashfall has been reported in Torokina Local Level Government (LLG) area in South Bougainville District as well as Tsito/Vuakovi, Koromaketo, Kenaia, Longkogari, Piva, and Atsinima communities, and lava flows are approaching villages around the base of the volcano. Ashfall has contaminated water supplies in Wakunai Local Level Government (LLG) area in Central Bougainville District. Residents are urged to refrain from using the contaminated water for drinking, cooking, or washing. Ash-free water must be boiled first before it is used.
The Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) has issued a stage 3 (of a four-tier scale) alert for the volcano. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, landslides, ash clouds, and pyroclastic and lava flows in the surrounding area.
Health
Further volcanic activity may impact air quality in parts of Bougainville. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.
Transport
Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace; authorities may temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur.
Advice
Confirm flights if a large eruption occurs. Plan for possible transport disruptions if operating near Mount Bagana over the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; drive cautiously in areas affected by ash and consequently reduced visibility. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.
