World Map › Major Eruptions › Rabaul (Tavurvur) 1994
Historic Eruption
1994 Eruption of Rabaul (Tavurvur)
19 September 1994 · Caldera · Papua New Guinea
On 19 September 1994, Rabaul (Tavurvur) in Papua New Guinea erupted. The volcano rises to 688 m. Its Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is 3 out of 8, that of a severe eruption ejecting more than 10 million m³ of material. It killed at least 5 people. Most deaths were caused by ash and tephra fall, the tsunami and lightning. Damage is estimated at 86 million US dollars at the time. The eruption triggered a tsunami with waves up to 3 m.
- Date
- 19 September 1994
- Volcano
- Rabaul (Tavurvur)
- Volcano Type
- Caldera
- Elevation
- 688 m
- Country
- Papua New Guinea
- Explosivity Index (VEI)
- 3 out of 8
- Deaths
- 5
- Homes Destroyed
- 1 to 50
- Estimated Damage
- 86 million US dollars
- Main Causes of Death
- Ash and Tephra, Tsunami, Lightning
- Triggered Tsunami
- 1994 Tsunami · 3 m
Other Significant Eruptions of Rabaul (Tavurvur)
- 1990June 1990 Eruption · Volcanic Gases6 deaths
- 1937May 1937 Eruption · VEI 4 · Pyroclastic Flows, Ash and Tephra, Tsunami, Indirect Effects (Famine, Disease)507 deaths
- 1878February 1878 Eruption · VEI 3 · Ash and Tephra1 death
- 18501850 Eruption · VEI 2 · Ash and Tephra
- 683683 Eruption · VEI 6
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database (doi:10.7289/V5JW8BSH) · Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program