Volcanic Eruption In New Guinea; Rabaul Evacuated

Northern Advocate, 31 May 1937, Page 5

Volcanic Eruption In New Guinea; Rabaul Evacuated

(Received 10 a.m.) V SYDNEY, May 30. A BIG volcanic eruption, probably submarine in origin, is in progress in New Guinea. Heavy earthquake shocks ghook the, island all day yesterday. The wireless station Was abandoned last night, as the volcanic fuines wete tjoo much for operators. A resident of Sydney received a message last night from a relative at Rabaul stating that a tremendous explosion had occured in the harbour, from which mud .and stones had been hurled high into the air. The explosion was followed by a grteat movement of the water, which receded 200 yards from shore. ■ " ' ' ’ ' ’ , , 1

► Tidal Wave Feared. Local residents fled, fearing that the water would return in a tidal wave. Prior to that, a wireless message from Rabaul had stated: “A great eruption in Blanche Bay, adjacent to Vulvan Island, occurred at 2!30, after earth tremors since dawn.. Great excitement prevails in the town.” v

Intermittent messages sent, obviously under terrifying eondir tions, stated that the seafront was undergoing a startling change, and' water had dropped 10 feet and, eight minutes later, had re- - turned.. The extent of damage to property is not known. There have been no reports of loss of life. -Rabaul Evacuated. A radio received in Sydney tonight from Rabaul states that the whole of the white population—3ooo—have evacuated .the town and have gone to the coastal resort, Kuopopo, 50 miles away. Large-numbers of Asiatics and natives have also left. The evacuation was accomplished by the steamers Montoro —which arrived today—and Golden Bear. An appeal has been sent out for a foodship and the naval survey vessel ‘Moresby, which at present is in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is hurrying to New Guinea.

It is difficult to obtain details of the latest position in regard to volcanic disturbance, owing to the breakdown of wireless apparatus at Rabaul.