Mt Bagana Update (as at July 18, 2023)
Current Situation:
A moderate eruption occurred at Bagana on July 7, 2023 which sent large ash, gas and steam plume to high altitudes and caused significant ashfall in communities. From the initial reports from locals on the ground, the ashfall covered vegetation, destroyed food gardens and contaminated rivers and streams used as the primary water source.
Relief Update:
All relief efforts are being coordinated through Disaster Management Teams. It is important that all people in the impacted communities in both Wakunai and Torokina continue to move from their villages to the district stations respectively. This is critical for the District Disaster Management Teams to have oversight and better coordination to move efficiently, carefully and quickly if required. Food and water supplies will also be distributed at the main camp areas at the Torokina and Wakunai stations respectively.
Health update:
People in the affected communities are strongly urged to refrain from using the contaminated water for drinking, cooking or washing. If a water source is found to be free from ash in the affected communities, it must be boiled first before it is used for cooking, drinking etc. The Department of Health is also working closely with clinical officers on the ground at Piva in Torokina and Ruruvu in Wakunai. The district clinical officers have been instructed to monitor and report on a daily basis the diseases being reported at the clinics, especially diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases, plus any reported cases of eye, respiratory infections etc.
The Department of Health has activated their Health Emergency Response Unit and will mobilize necessary support and medical supplies to be deployed to Torokina and Wakunai tomorrow (Wednesday, July 19, 2023).
Assessment Update:
Aerial assessment will be undertaken today at the affected areas. The assessment team includes officer from Rabaul Volcanological Observatory, Ima ITIKARAI, Team Leader Torokina District Disaster Management Team, Boniface Wadiri, Geohazard Director Emmanuel Morinagu.
Key Contact Points:
Torokina District Disaster Coordinator – Team Leader: Mr Boniface Wadari 73547081
Wakunai District Disaster Coordinator – Team Leader: Mr Mathew Kusa 72039544
Approved by:
Esther Usurup
Caretaker Chief Secretary
ABG
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