Asia and Oceania

Papua New Guinea sits along a volatile seismic strip called the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific.  Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible.  Seismic and volcanic activity is more likely to occur near Rabaul in East New Britain Province, Kimbe in West New Britain Province, and on Manam Island in Madang Province.

The “Ring of Fire” is a horse-shoe-shaped zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that surrounds the basin of the Pacific Ocean.  It is 40,000kms long and is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, island arcs, and volcanic mountain ranges and/or plate movements.

It is understood that 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 81% of the world’s largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, which is a direct consequence of plate tectonics and the movement of collisions of crustal plates.

Earthquakes

The danger from Earthquakes in and around the coast of PNG is real. The last such quake occurred on 24 March 2009 in the New Britain region and registered a magnitude of 6.2. On this occasion the earthquake was not followed by a tsunami or a rise in sea levels. See Tropical cyclones for more details.

 

Volcanoes

 

Tavurvur Volcano in East New Britain erupted on 7 October 2006 and continues to release ash clouds, which can disrupt flights in the region.

 

You should not attempt to climb any of Papua New Guinea’s active volcanoes.  Please contact the Volcanological Observatory for further information: tel:  982 1699; fax:  982 1004.

 

Floods

 
The tropical cyclone season in Papua New Guinea normally runs from November to May and flooding and landslides can occur, especially in rural areas.  You should plan your trip with care and seek and follow local advice on what precautions to take before commencing your journey.

Papua New Guinea's coastal areas experience monthly King Tides. The King Tides may sometimes cause localised flooding. Local communities are fairly well adapted to cope.

On 9 December 2008 tidal waves hit Papua New Guinea's northern coast causing extensive damage to some coastal towns including Wewak, Manus, Bougainville and the island of New Ireland. Reports estimate around 15,000 people may have been affected by the storms. Relocation programmes are being considered for those worst affected.

Cyclone Guba hit the Oro Province in November 2007 causing severe flooding. Over 200 people were killed and thousands were made homeless. As a result of the damage a state of emergency was called. The damage to the infrastructure of the region continues make travel in and around the Province difficult.