A helicopter pilot reported to RVO that new lava was being emitted from Bagana around 1240 on 27 April. According to information from the village of Torokina, the lava flow was estimated to be about 8-9 km from the village. RVO was uncertain about the local topography between the volcano and Torokina, and therefore could not assess the degree of danger for the residents of the village from the lava flow. RVO has no monitoring equipment at Bagana.

Geological Summary. Bagana volcano, occupying a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is one of Melanesia's youngest and most active volcanoes. This massive symmetrical cone was largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire edifice could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity is frequent and characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although explosive activity occasionally producing pyroclastic flows also occurs. Lava flows form dramatic, freshly preserved tongue-shaped lobes up to 50 m thick with prominent levees that descend the flanks on all sides.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)