PNG: Disruptions ongoing due to volcanic activity at Ulawun Volcano in West New Britain Province as of Dec. 7 /update 3

Disruptions are ongoing following volcanic activity at the Ulawun Volcano, located in West New Britain Province close to the border with East New Britain, as of Dec. 7. 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. 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 Hoskins Airport (HKN) serving Kimbe was temporarily closed due to volcanic ash on the runway Nov. 21-26. Authorities briefly raised the alert level for the volcano to the highest level 4 status and ashfall was reported in communities in the vicinity of the volcano. More than 26,000 people in surrounding communities were affected by the eruption; as of Dec. 6, nearly 17,000 people remain displaced following the eruption.

Volcanic activity has steadily decreased in the days since the initial eruption and the alert level has been lowered to level 1 as of Dec. 4; however, low-intensity activity continues and further explosive eruptions cannot be ruled out. Authorities have warned of the risk of mudflows in the region during periods of heavy rainfall due to heavy ash deposits. Most water sources in the area have also been contaminated following the eruption.

Disruptions are likely to continue in the affected region for some time, despite the reduced level of volcanic activity. Further volcanic activity may cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and landslides in the surrounding area, as well as 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 occurs and winds direct ash clouds toward airports.