Mount Ulawun, the tallest volcano in Papua New Guinea, erupted on Monday, spewing smoke and ash as high as 15 kilometers (50,000 feet) into the sky. However, authorities have ruled out a tsunami, and the alert level for the volcano has been reduced from Stage 4 to Stage 3, indicating a moderate-to-strong eruption. The risk of a tsunami has been rated as nil by the country’s Geohazards Management Division.
Although the alert level has been lowered, Mount Ulawun remains active, and the eruption could continue indefinitely. The volcanic ash and smoke have been observed rising to a height of 15,000 meters (50,000 feet), causing concerns for aviation services. The Division has warned that the ash cloud could travel long distances and affect air travel.
The nearest major town, Bialla, located 47 kilometers (29 miles) southwest of the volcano, is experiencing the effects of the eruption. Heavy coatings of black ash have caused leaves to droop in nearby oil palm plantations, and ash has accumulated on roofs. However, there have been no reports of known casualties from the volcano’s history of eruptions.
Papua New Guinea is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. Mount Ulawun has a long history of eruptions, with the last major one occurring in 2019, leading to the evacuation of over 5,000 people. While there have been no reported casualties, the eruptions often result in population displacement, infrastructure damage, and disruption to services.
In light of the ongoing volcanic activity, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has yet to confirm if air travel has been affected. The situation remains monitored by the authorities to ensure the safety of the population and to provide timely updates on any changes in the eruption status.
Overall, the eruption of Mount Ulawun in Papua New Guinea has captured attention due to its significant smoke plume and high volcanic activity. While a tsunami has been ruled out, the situation continues to be closely monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
