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Volcano erupts in PNG spewing ash and rock

Mount Tavurvur in Papua New Guinea erupted Friday, causing damage to crops and forcing the closure of schools and business, Australian media reported.

The volcano in the Pacific island's East New Britain region began spewing rocks and ash in the early morning hours, ABC radio reported.

A witness told ABC the island's Rabaul Volcanological Observatory did not order evacations. The rumbling of the volcano could be heard in the background as she spoke.

Australia's Qantas airline said it would re-route some of its scheduled flights over the island.

Volcanic eruptions are common in the Pacific island. In 1994 Mount Tavurvur destroyed the town of Rabaul.

 

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