PNG: Volcanic activity ongoing at Ulawun Volcano in West New Britain Province as of Nov. 21 /update 1

Volcanic activity is ongoing at the Ulawun Volcano, located in West New Britain Province close to the border with East New Britain, as of Nov. 21. A significant eruption occurred at around 16:24 Nov. 20; the eruption produced a volcanic ash plume that rose to an estimated altitude of 15,200 meters (50,000 feet) and pyroclastic flows down the flank of the volcano. There have been no initial reports of casualties or damage. The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) has issued a red-level ash advisory (the highest level on a four-tier scale) for aviation and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued advising that Hoskins Airport (HKN) serving Kimbe will be closed for at least two days due to volcanic ash. Authorities briefly raised the alert level for the volcano to the highest level 4 status Nov. 20, before downgrading the status to level 3 Nov. 21 as the eruption has begun to subside. Volcanic emissions are still ongoing and ash fall has been reported in surrounding communities. Authorities are reportedly coordinating the evacuation of affected areas in the vicinity of the volcano.

Varying levels of eruptive activity have been ongoing at the volcano since July 18. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and landslides in the surrounding area. Further volcanic activity may impact air quality in parts of East New Britain and West New Britain. 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.

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; further disruptions to flights are possible over the coming days if eruptive activity continues and winds direct ash clouds toward airports.