Attachments
Highlights
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The Autonomous Bougainville Government estimates that 8,111 people were affected by the volcanic activity of Mt. Bagana that occurred between 7-17 July 2023 in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
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IOM, in partnership with the National Disaster Centre and Bougainville Office for Disaster and Climate Change, continues to assess the situation using the Displacement Tracking Matrix.
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IOM is working closely with government (national and subnational), donors, and cluster partners to deliver emergency shelter and non-food items to affected households.
Situation Overview
On 7 July 2023, Mt. Bagana, located in Papua New Guinea’s Autonomous Region of Bougainville, experienced a moderate volcanic eruption which emitted ashes, gas, and steam plumes and caused significant ashfall in local communities. Second and third eruptions occurred on 15 and 17 July 2023 respectively and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), in coordination with the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, reported increased seismic activity in the area, indicating a continued risk of eruptive activity. The volcanic activity has impacted areas of Torokina, Wakunai, and Kunua districts in South, Central, and North Bougainville. Heavy ashfall polluted drinking water sources and has caused widespread destruction of garden foods within the affected communities. The ABG estimates that 8,111 people have been affected and need assistance. Schools have been closed and displaced persons, especially women and children, are being sheltered in classrooms.
IOM, in partnership with the National Disaster Centre and the Bougainville Office for Disaster and Climate Change, continues to assess the situation using the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). So far DTM has determined that 3,920 people from 900 households (HHs) have been displaced to Wakunai (1,712 people from 414 HHs) and Piva station (2,208 people from 486 HHs) care centres in Central and South Bougainville. Immediate needs identified through DTM include food, safe drinking water, emergency shelter, non-food items, adequate sanitation, health supplies, mental health and psychosocial support, and protection services. There is also a need to resume education for children as the displacement has interrupted the school year. The situation remains fluid and the numbers reported may increase as individuals that remained behind in the immediate aftermath of the eruptions make their way to designated care centres.