As of 5 August 2002 Mt Pago, a slumbering volcano on Papua New Guinea’s
New Britain Island, began to stir, and has since continued its activities,
spewing highly poisonous fumes (fluorine/sulphur dioxide) and fine
ash with silicone into the air. Ash falls are affecting the north-northwest
part of Mt Pago and lava is continuing to flow from the vent on the
north west side of the volcano.
The human and environmental consequences are becoming increasingly
serious as the above combination of elements is deadly and will completely
destroy crops and livestock and have adverse effects on human health.
ACT Member the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) reports
that more than 30,000 people have been affected and over 15,000 displaced.
Some of the settlements within a radius of seven kilometres have been
evacuated and many have left by themselves to Kimbe Township about
50 km north of Mt Pago. The Provincial Disaster Committee has set
up evacuation care centres. However, these centres suffer from overcrowding
and lack of water and sanitation facilities. Skin problems are prevalent
as is malaria and there are fears of a possible gastro-enteritis epidemic.
PNGCC has carried out an assessment and reports that the current
emergency relief facilities are clearly inadequate. Furthermore, the
facilities will be stretched even further should Mt Pago continue
its activities and force more people out of their homes.
The most urgently needed items at present are: tents, food including
milk and baby food, second hand clothes, mosquito nets, blankets,
kitchen utensils and baby’s nappies. Health and medical supplies/personnel
are needed and member churches have been asked to assist in this area.
The Chairperson of the Provincial Emergency Team has requested that
the PNGCC take responsibility for two care centres - the Sarakolok
and Kapore Centres until the people are resettled which could take
up to 6 months depending on Mt Pago.
PNGCC is requesting an initial US$ 30,000 from the ACT Rapid Response
fund to provide immediate and much needed assistance to the displaced.
