Date:         Mon, 19 Sep 1994 13:47:12 MST
Reply-To: VOLCANO 
Sender: VOLCANO 
Comments:     Converted from OV/VM to RFC822 format by PUMP V2.2X
From: Global Volcanism Network 
Subject:      DHA-Geneva SITREP
To: Multiple recipients of list VOLCANO 
Status: OR

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

                        PAPUA NEW GUINEA
                        VOLCANIC ERUPTION
               DHA-GENEVA INFORMATION REPORT NO. 1
                        19 SEPTEMBER 1994

1. TWO VOLCANIC CONES ON OPPOSITE SHORES OF THE SIX-KILOMETRE-
WIDE SEA-FILLED CRATER OF RABAUL VOLCANO IN EASTERN
NEW BRITAIN BEGAN TO ERUPT ON THE MORNING OF 19 SEPTEMBER (LOCAL
TIME).  STRONG EXPLOSIONS HAVE SPREAD FUMES AND ASH OVER
SURROUNDING AREAS INCLUDING THE WATERFRONT PROVINCIAL CAPITAL OF
RABAUL AT THE HEAD OF THE BAY.

2. CONCERN EXISTS OVER POSSIBLE REPEAT OF 1937 ERUPTION IN WHICH
OVER 500 PEOPLE DIED.  TODAY'S ERUPTION WAS PRECEDED BY
EARTHQUAKES OVER THE WEEKEND LEADING TO EVACUATION OF SOME 30,000
PEOPLE ACCORDING TO EMERGENCY PLAN.  60,000 - 70,000 LIVE IN AREA
AFFECTED.

3. STATE OF EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED IN AREA OF RABAUL.  SO
FAR NO REPORTS ON CASUALTIES OR DAMAGE.  AIRPORT OF RABAUL
CLOSED.

4. MINISTER OF INTERIOR IS HEADING NATIONAL DISASTER AND
EMERGENCY SERVICES.  UNDP/DHA RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE AND UNITED
NATIONS DISASTER MANAGEMENT TEAM ARE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE
GOVT REGARDING ANY NEED FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE.

              = DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS +

TELEPHONE:  +41-22-917-1234
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ONLY, TELEPHONE:  +41-22-917-2010

DESK OFFICER:  E. HAEGGLUND,  DIRECT TEL:  +41-22-917-3131
PRESS TO CONTACT:
DHA-GENEVA SPOKESPERSON:  MR. KHATIB, DIRECT TEL: +41-22-917-2856

TELEX:  414242 DHA CH
FAX:  +41-22-917-0023
ELECTRONIC MAIL:  UNIENET DIALCOM 141:DHAGVA