Four killed in PNG Volcano mudslide
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Four killed in PNG Volcano mudslide*
From correspondents in Port Moresby
March 19, 2007 04:52pm
Article from: Reuters
A MUDSLIDE on the Papua New Guinea volcanic island of Manam has killed
four people, prompting authorities to call today for islanders to stay
away from the volcano's ash and mud-laden valleys.
The four were killed last week in an avalanche of ash and mud on the
northern part of Manam Island off Papua New Guinea's north coast, and a
fifth person was seriously injured, local media reported today.
"The valleys are very dangerous and I am appealing to everyone not to
venture into any of the valleys as there are huge quantities of ash and
mud deposited on higher slopes," Health Minister Sir Peter Barter said.
"After heavy rain that has been experienced, the mud and loose material
becomes a major risk for anyone venturing into the potential path of an
avalanche," Sir Peter said.
The Manam Island volcano erupted in October 2004, with heavy ash falls
destroying houses and crops and contaminating water supplies.
Authorities evacuated some 9000 people to the mainland, but many
islanders have since returned.
Manam is only 10km wide and about 13km from the coast, with villages
scattered around the sides of the central volcano, which towers 1807m
above sea level.
Manam's first recorded eruption was in 1616 and it has erupted at least
30 times since. It is regarded as one of the world's most active volcanoes.