S. Pacific volcano erupts; some flee

Saturday, August 30, 2014

CANBERRA, Australia — Several communities were evacuated and some international flights were diverted Friday after a volcanic eruption on Papua New Guinea. Authorities in the South Pacific nation had evacuated communities close to Mount Tavurvur, which erupted early Friday in Rabaul district on New Britain Island, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

Residents of Rabaul, the provincial capital, had been advised to remain indoors.

The volcano, which is one of the most active in the region, destroyed Rabaul in 1994 when it erupted simultaneously with nearby Mount Vulcan.