According to reports by the Rabaul Volcanology Observatory (RVO) under the Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazards Management, the eruption at Ulawun continued during the reporting period from 9 pm last night to this 6 am this morning, but at much reduced levels.
RVO reported that at a Stage 3 Risk Level, the eruption at Ulawun is still in an active phase with the presence of an active lava flow and continued occasional ash emissions from the summit and from the new vent. This new vent is in a parallel valley south of that containing the 2019 vent.
RVO noted that the lava flow will be tracked and if it continues to advance it may impact agricultural areas. Further ashing may occur.
The eruption will have deposited significant amounts of ash and scoria on the upper slopes of the volcano and to a lesser extent in downwind areas. This means there is a potential for mudflows and flash flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Any mudflows can occur near water courses and on low lying areas below areas of thick ash on slopes.
It is advised that people should not approach the lava flow as boulders can roll off, and bush fires may be ignited.
Masks should be worn in areas where ash resuspension may be an issue.
RVO however further advised that the UULA seismic station is still off since yesterday morning after 07:00am.
The Officers from RVO will travel soon to investigate this.
Losing the seismometer closest to the volcano will certainly affect RVO’s ability to assess details of Ulawun’s eruptive activity.
