June 26, 2019 Eruption of Ulawun

An eruption began in the morning hours of 26 June with emissions of gray ash that over time became darker and more energetic. The plumes rose 1 km and drifted NW, causing minor ashfall in NW and SW areas. Locals heard roaring and rumbling during 0600-0800[...]RVO stated that parts of the ash plume at lower altitudes drifted W, causing variable amounts of ashfall in areas to the NW and SW. A pyroclastic flow descended the N flank. Residents evacuated to areas to the NE and W; a news article noted that around 3,000 people had gathered at a local church. According to another news source an observer in a helicopter reported a column of incandescent material rising from the crater, residents noted that the sky had turned black, and a main road in the N part of the island was blocked by volcanic material. Residents also reported a lava flow near Noau village and Eana Valley. RVO reported that the eruption ceased between 1800 and 1900. Incandescence visible on the N flank was either from a lava flow or pyroclastic flow deposits. (reference 2432)

Mr Maneke said the region's palm oil crop has also been devastated, which was what many of the people relied on for income. "Basically the ash is falling over the oil palm trees and also food gardens. That is why people are deserting their houses and their villages. It's going to take some time to really come back." (reference #12452)

Two people have been reportedly sustained light injuries during the relocation[...]Due to heavy ashfall remaining on the runway, Air Niugini flights into Hoskins Airport were cancelled again as of 1 July until a further review is undertaken by the airline. (reference #12453)

An eruption at Mount Ulawun volcano on 26 June had led to the immediate evacuation of 7,000 people and covered 50% of Sipef’s oil palms (on more than 6,500ha) with a 3-5cm layer of ashes and small stones, affecting the July harvest, the company said on 5 August. A second eruption occurred on 3 August at the same volcano[...]Combined with the two eruptions, it was projecting a fall of some 19% in palm and palm kernel oil production for this year, compared with 2018, representing a pre-tax loss of some US$14M. (reference #12491)