Volcanic eruption

The relief effort was carried out by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National Disaster Centre (NDC), and the Provincial disasters of WNB and ENB. 

This alliance has successfully transported crucial relief supplies, including water containers, soap, cooking utensils, sleep mats, cleaning tools, and solar lights, to care centres in the affected regions.

The aid aims to address the urgent needs of affected communities and aid displaced families in their safe return home. This contribution supplements ongoing disaster preparedness programs, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) deploying experts to assess evacuee needs.

Mount Ulawun's eruptions since November 20 have claimed five lives, impacting over 24,000 people and displacing 16,000 to evacuation centres in East New Britain and West New Britain provinces.

This is as reported by the Volcanological Observatory Geohazards Management Division.

A substantial ash cloud, extending tens of kilometres northwest of the volcano, is presently primarily affecting areas over the sea. Throughout the reporting period, low roaring and booming noises persisted, and moderate to heavy ash fall occurred in downwind regions near the volcano.

A report from the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management states that originally the ash plume was blowing towards the west and northwest with ash fall affecting the Navo area. However, it has now shifted direction, impacting the Ulamona Mission area due to a change in wind direction. 

The maximum height of the ash plume remains a concern, posing potential risk to areas in the west to north-northwest direction.

Communities in these areas are experiencing moderate to high exposure to ash fall.

Its second and third eruptions occurred on the 15th and 17th of July respectively, affecting the local level government areas of Torokina, Wakunai and Kunua, in the respective districts of South, Central and North Bougainville.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has estimated that the eruption has affected 8,111 people, with heavy ashfall polluting drinking water sources, destroying food gardens and closing schools.

The eruption had left a trail of destruction, displacing hundreds of women, men, and children.

At the request of both the Papua New Guinea and Bougainville governments, a significant delivery of humanitarian supplies took place on August 10th. Jon Philp, the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, accompanied by Colonel Travis Gordon, Defence Adviser, oversaw the delivery. The supplies were transported via an Australian Defence Force C-27 aircraft, landing in Buka, the capital of Bougainville.

Madang Governor Peter Yama confirmed today, saying the Madang Provincial Administration was very quick to respond to the eruption.

He added that within 72 hours after the eruption, the government responded swiftly to help evacuate the people of Manam.

“The Government is very helpful and has responded swiftly to the cries of the people of Manam.

“I want to thank Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for such response, which the people of Manam haven’t experienced in the past.”

This was the statement by the Chow family, who recently celebrated 50 years of service in the shipping industry.

The owners of Coastal Shipping Company Ltd observed their 50^th anniversary in East New Britain Province.

“In these 50 years we have served ships of our own fleet, ships of other fleets, all the provinces of New Guinea Islands and various associated industries,” says Fabian Chow.

“Above all, we have adapted to new times, gone through ups and downs with our hometown Rabaul and still survived.