Volcano Erupts in Papua New Guinea, Flights Re-Routed

Local Editor

A volcano erupted in eastern Papua New Guinea on Friday, spewing rocks and ash into the air and forcing the evacuation of local communities and flights to be re-routed, officials and reports said.

According to the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory, "The eruption started slow and slowly developed in a Strombolian [low level] eruption with incandescent projections accompanied by explosion noises and ongoing loud roaring and rumbling noises."

"Authorities have evacuated communities close to the volcano. Residents of Rabaul town have been advised to remain indoors to avoid falling ash," it said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Moroever, the Australian government issued a warning against travelling to the area.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Darwin said the ash cloud was drifting southeast. She said planes may be forced to take alternative routes, with the ash forecast to move towards the Solomon Islands and then Vanuatu in the Pacific.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team