July 7, 2023 Eruption of Bagana

An explosive eruption at Bagana on 7 July send a large ash, gas, and steam plume to high altitudes and caused significant ashfall in local communities. A report issued by theAutonomous Bougainville Government (Torokina District, Education Section) on 10 July noted that significant ash began falling during 2000-2100 on 7 July and covered most areas in the Vuakovi, Gotana (9 km SW), Koromaketo, Laruma and Atsilima villages. By about 2200 on 7 July the eruption plume had reached upper tropospheric altitudes based onsatellite images. Sulfur dioxide detections in satellite images from 8 July indicated that theplume, likely a mixture of gases, ice, and ash, had risen to 16-18 km (52,500-59,100 ft) a.s.l.,reaching the tropopause. Ashfall reportedly continued until 9 July. The ashfall covered vegetation, destroying bushes and gardens, and contaminated rivers and streams used for washing and drinking water; residents drank from coconuts and used fresh ground water accessible through bamboo pipes. (reference #13574)

An explosive eruption at Bagana on 15 July was similar to one that occurred on 7 July. According to the Darwin VAAC, an eruption at around 0830 on 15 July produced an ash plume that rose to 16.5 km (54,000 ft) a.s.l. by 1000 and drifted N based on satellite images. Ground-based reports indicated that pyroclastic flows had occurred in the vicinity of the volcano; small deposits confined to one drainage were inspected by RVO during an overflight on 17 July, and were confirmed to be from the 7 July event. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) issued a statement on 17 July noting significant impacts of ashfall in local communities. According to the National Disaster Centre, ashfall from the first event lasted until 10 July; an eruption was also reported by RVO on 14 July. Ashfall (presumably from events on 7 and 15 July) impacted about 8,111 people in Torokina, South Bougainville, including Tsito/Vuakovi, Gotana (9 km SW), Koromaketo, Kenaia, Longkogari, Kenbaki, Piva (13 km SW), and Atsinima (27km WNW) and in the Tsitovi district according to ABG. Significant ashfall was also reported in Ruruvu (22 km N) in the Wakunai District of Central Bougainville. An evacuation was called for the villages in Wakunai, where heavy ashfall had contaminated water sources; the communities of Ruruvu, Togarau, Kakarapaia, Karauturi, Atao, and Kuritaturi were asked to evacuate to a disaster center at the Wakunai District Station within 24 hours. Communities in Torokina, nearest to Bagana, were to immediately evacuate to the Piva District station. (reference 13575)

According to new articles, more than 7,000 people needed temporary accommodations due to the eruption at Bagana, with about 1,000 of those in evacuation shelters. Ashfall was deposited over a broad area, contaminating water supplies, affecting crops, and collapsing some roofs and houses in rural areas. Schools were temporarily shut down. (reference #13576)

The Internally Displaced Persons also provided account of destruction to the food gardens, cash crops, water source, as a result of ash falls. The current four affected wards are the main suppliers of fresh produce to Wakunai, Arawa and Buka, especially providing potato, cabbage, onion and sago tips. The number of livestock losses is unknown, but some have reported village chickens are dying and may be from drinking contaminated stagnant waters in ponds in the village. The main crops that 5 are affected across all four wards include, sweet potato (kaukau), taro, banana, sugar cane, Singaporean taro (taro kong-kong), sago palm tree and cooking banana. Reports of cocoa, vanilla and other economic crops suffered extensive damage as well due to the heavy ash falls. (reference #13578)