Lava threat

Briefly

in Rabaul

Lava flow is continuing to pose a hazard to Papua New Guinea’s volcano devas tated town of Rabaul, even as authorities prepare to lift a state of emergency imposed on the East New Britain province after the explosions last

September.

A situation report reveals intermittent activity could continue for some time including occasional larger explosions from Tavurvur. But there is no threat to life in the Rabaul area.

According to the deputy controller of the State of Emergency, Hosea Turbarat, Tavurvur is continuing to erupt but activ ity is spasmodic.

Turbarat said a moderate explosion around mid-day on April 2 signaled the return of more frequent explosions. The clouds rose to about 1.5 km above the vent but declined later in the evening.