OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Papua New Guinea: Volcanic Eruption
9 October 2006


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This situation report is based on information received from OCHA field 
office in Papua New Guinea.

Situation

1. A large scale eruption occurred at Rabaul Volcano at 08:45 (local 
time) on 7 October in New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea. Continuous 
air blasts rattled windows in Rabaul city and heavy ash fall and small 
stones were falling in the city. On 9 October, according to the Rabaul 
Volcanology Observatory, the volcanic activity is declining and loud 
roaring sounds have stopped. Thin to moderate pinky-white hazy emissions 
are being produced, rising gently to 1,000 meters blowing north. The 
volcanic activity is likely continue along with ash falls. The state of 
emergency remained in effect although there are indications that it will 
be lifted in the next day or two.

2. In the event of heavy rains, small to moderate sized mud flows are 
likely to follow existing water courses.  Residents to the south and 
south-west should exercise extra caution. Air Niugini confirmed that 
flights into Rabaul were suspended until further notice and the airport 
remains closed due to continuing deposits of ash on the runway.

3. The National Disaster Center (NDC) announced that 1,221 people from 
Matupit and Rabaul city were evacuated by sea to Vunapope Mission 
Station. It appears that the worst affected communities include Matupit, 
Bai, Nordup, Matalau, Rakunat, Korere and Rabuana. Areas less affected 
are Malapau, Kuradui, Raluana, Barovon, Ialakua, Rapolo and Malaguna. 
Some evacuees have been moved to designated resettlement blocks at 
Sikut, Gelegele, Cliffton, and Warena which were established by the East 
New Britain Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) after the 1994 eruption. 
Red Cross reported that three main informal care centers have been 
established at Sikut, Tavuiliu and Vunapope Catholic Mission, with the 
latter providing health, food and water services.

National Response

4. The NDC will be deploying a Rapid Assessment Team to East New Britain 
Province to assist the Provincial Disaster Office in coordinating 
emergency operations. The government has not requested any international 
assistance. The PDC has had several meetings and is in the process of 
requesting emergency financial assistance from the national government.

5. The main concern is water, as it is not known if it is potable, as 
well as the delivery (trucking, establishment of water collection 
points, water bladders) should it be necessary. Immediate needs also 
include tarpaulins, water containers, facemasks and food.

6. With a well-equipped local branch of 20 volunteers in Rabaul, Red 
Cross has already distributed some water and containers as an interim 
measure. The organization also plans to distribute water containers (400 
units), tarpaulins (100 units) and respiratory masks (500 units) as soon 
as possible. The PNG Defence Force has agreed to airlift these emergency 
supplies if conditions permit. In the event the airport will remain 
closed, preparations are underway for the local procurement of these and 
other supplies.

7. OCHA is in close contact with the government and the UN Resident 
Coordinator Office in Port Moresby. This situation report, together with 
further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the 
OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only:
Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  GVA - Mr. Masaaki Nakagawa, direct Tel. +41-22-917-4034
  NYC - Ms. Ah-Young Kim, direct Tel. +1-212-963-5131

Press contact:
  GVA - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
  NYC - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. +1-917-892 1679

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