B’ville volcano monitored

**People evacuated from Mt Bagana in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. – Pictures supplied**

ABG President Ishmael Toroama says the imminent threat of a volcanic eruption at Mt Bagana is being closely monitored by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) disaster office as well as several other domestic and international agencies.
In a statement yesterday, Toroama said the Office of the President was coordinating all emergency efforts through the Bougainville disaster office in response to the level three volcanic activity that was currently ongoing within the vicinity of Mt Bagana.
He said: “Earlier this week, I was briefed on the situation at Torokina and Wakunai districts who have been affected by the eruption that occurred on July 7. I am aware that lava flow and gasses emitting from Mt Bagana has contaminated all water sources, giving rise to possible outbreak of waterborne diseases; affected 18 primary and elementary schools; and displaced several hundreds of people from the affected radius of Mt Bagana.
“Following land and aerial assessments by the Bougainville disaster office and partner agencies, I have directed our officials to immediately begin moving relief supplies into the affected areas.

**Relief supplies being flown in by Manolos aviation. – Pictures supplied**

“Ensuring there is sufficient food and water for our people is of paramount importance at this time. These supplies including medical drugs are being airlifted to Torokina and Wakunai.
“We have deployed our health officials to conduct an environmental assessment to ascertain the suitability of setting up care centres at Torokina and Wakunai.”
He said all schools would be temporarily shut down, however an education in emergency concept had already been developed and this would allow teaching and learning for children to continue at the care centres.
Toroama said the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory had recommended the current level three status be downgraded following an assessment of the volcanic activity at Mt Bagana.
“I want to caution and encourage our people to listen to advice from government officials who are moving through their communities to conduct relief efforts,” he said.
“Natural disasters are volatile and may change at any moment.
“The welfare of our people is far greater than anyone person who chooses to be ignorant in these circumstances.”