Papua New Guinea faced a major disruption in air travel following the eruption of Mount Ulawun, leading to the cancellation of flights and temporary closure of Hoskins airport.
The eruption, which occurred on Monday night in the West New Britain province, prompted the National Airports Corporation to prioritize safety amidst concerns of ashfall impacting air travel.
The eruption of Mount Ulawun, a significant volcanic event on the island of New Britain, sent smoke up to 50,000 feet (approximately 15,200 meters) into the sky, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. This natural phenomenon has caused considerable concern, not only for local aviation but also for neighboring regions, with the agency monitoring the potential risk of a tsunami reaching Japan.
Local authorities are now undertaking emergency measures to evacuate people from affected areas to safer locations. Despite these efforts, detailed information about the number of flights affected and the broader impact on the region’s travel network remains limited.
Mount Ulawun, known as one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, has a history of significant eruptions. This latest incident underscores the challenges faced by Pacific countries in managing natural disasters, especially those related to volcanic activity.
The eruption and subsequent disruption highlight the need for effective emergency response mechanisms in the region. The safety of residents and travelers remains a top priority as authorities work to manage the situation and minimize the impact of the volcanic activity.
This event has attracted international attention, with neighboring countries monitoring the situation closely. The aftermath of the eruption is expected to have a lasting impact on the local community and travel in the region, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
A strong earthquake struck Papua New Guinea one week ago (13 Nov.) The earthquake measuring 6.1 struck Rabaul in the East New Britain province of the Pacific Island nation at around 0743GMT at a depth of around 10 kilometers (6.3 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. (AA)
