We spent several days in PNG in 1998, in Rabul. This volcano (Tavurnir) is one of two (the other being Vulcan) that form the mouth of Simpson harbour. What was once considered the most beautiful harbour in the world was nearly destroyed in, first in 1937, then in 1994. Our hotel (the Kaivuna) was one of the few buildings that survived the eruption intact, only because the owner continuously shovelled the ash from the roof, to prevent it being buried. I wish I had taken photos of some of the pictures that decorated the bar, showing the area before and immediately after the eruption. When we were there, the favourite thing for the Aussie expats to do was sit in the bar and watch Tavurver continue to smoke, about every 45 minutes it let out a good puff and a rumble. There were many active volcanos in sight, the smell of sulphur was overpowering. It was like waiting for the end of the world. But the diving was amazing !
This is not my photo, but this is what we saw everywhere, 4 years after the eruption. Very little had changed.
For an excellent account of the eruption, and decryption of the area and the town, have a look at this :
http://caermynach.blogspot.ca/2014/02/3 ... lcano.html
hobie16 wrote:Shockwave.
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