Related and breaking news from Yahoo Asia-Pacific AP News:
Sunday November 28, 3:44 PM
"Hundreds evacuated from island in Papua New Guinea over fears of volcano eruption"
"Hundreds of villagers were evacuated from an island in Papua New Guinea on Sunday as a volcano already blamed for the deaths of two people threatened another eruption, officials said.
Authorities planned to evacuate more than 9,000 people from Manam Island to hastily established care centers on the South Pacific country's mainland.
Luke Kalaua, an official with the Provincial Disaster Office, said a barge had carried 600 islanders on Sunday from Manam, where a volcano began erupting a month ago.
"There's not so much activity now but it is still spewing thick, black smoke," he said.
He said the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory had warned of rising activity that could trigger a major eruption soon.
A child and a woman are believed to have died from drinking ash-contaminated water, Kalaua said. Five other villagers were reportedly injured by the eruption, which left ash up to three meters (10 feet) deep in some places.
A surge in volcanic activity last week prompted authorities to raise the alert level, and the government pledged 1 million kina (US$400,000; €300,000) in assistance..."(End excerpt. Link to story follows)
Hundreds evacuate from island in Papua New Guinea
Tourism is big here - so many sites to see, volcanoes...
From Ecotourism Melanesia’s PAPUA NEW GUINEA VOLCANOES:
"Active Volcanoes:
Mt Matupit, Vulcan, Mt Rabalanakaia - Rabaul, East New Britain Province (vulcanology observatory)
Mt Bagana - Bougainville
Mt Lamington, Oro Province
Mt Pago, West New Britain Province (Mt Pago has been erupting during 2002 and villagers have been evacuated. When the area is safe, there are hot springs, bubbling mud pools and geysers in the Pokili Wildlife Management Area an hour's drive east of Hoskins which can be visited).
Manam Island, Madang Province
Karkar Island, Madang Province"