Seismic activity fluctuating, authorities warn Mt Ulawun locals

PEOPLE living near Mt Ulawun volcano in West New Britain (WNB) have been warned to exercise caution as seismic activity in the area has been fluctuating.
WNB disaster and emergency office acting director Clement Bailey said seismic activity was recorded last week and authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
“We must all be vigilant and aware,” he said.
“Since last Wednesday, magma has formed inside the volcano which has produced some of the tremors that were recorded on the seismograph.”
Bailey said this was first seismic activity recorded since the volcano erupted in 2019.
“People of Ulamona and those in other villages near the volcano must be on the alert,” he said.
“They must be aware of the procedures during an emergency or evacuation which our teams are conducting awareness on.
“We are also waiting for advice from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO).
“Then I will present the report to the provincial government and administration for them to decide what action to take if the volcanic activity changes.”
The RVO said on Tuesday that there were reports of a light ash fall with variable amounts of fume emitted from Mt Ulawun.
“Risk is low, but ash may cause inconvenience in downwind areas.
The alert level is at Stage One.
“Strong winds are rapidly blowing the plume away from the vent, causing it to disperse rapidly.”
Meanwhile, South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu thanked the Government for supporting the people in the electorate and in Central Bougainville affected by the Mt Bagana volcanic eruption in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
He explained that the Piva care centre has nearly 2,000 persons, mainly women, children and the elderly, who walked from their villages.
The number is expected to increase to 8,000 in the coming days.