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N.Z. aids imperilled township

PA Wellington An R.N.Z.A.F. Hercules will leave New Zealand today to help a Papua New Guinean township facing the threat of a volcanic eruption. Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Mr Michael Somare, sought the help as evacuation planning stepped up with the increasing likelihood of an eruption, at Rabaul. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Cooper, said that advice from volcanologists monitoring the situation indicated that the probability of an eruption was increasing. The aircraft would be used for the transport of the police, army personnel, stores, vehicles, and radio equipment between Port Moresby, Mount Hagen, and Raboul. Australia was also being asked for help. The population in Rabaul township and the surrounding area is normally about 44,000 and includes about 120 New Zealanders. In recent weeks people have been encouraged by the authorities to make preparations for leaving the area. New Zealand citizens have been approached by the New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby and have been asked to advise their whereabouts when they move out of Rabaul.

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19840229.2.59

Bibliographic details

Press, 29 February 1984, Page 8

Word Count
174

N.Z. aids imperilled township Press, 29 February 1984, Page 8

N.Z. aids imperilled township Press, 29 February 1984, Page 8