Papua New Guinea's National Disaster centre is advising people affected by heavy ashfall from the Tavurvur volcano to consider evacuating the area.
The Centre Director, Colonel Eric Ani, says a hospital in East New Britain has had to temporarily close its outpatient section because of the ash.
He is advising people to use wet towels and wear masks to aid with breathing.
"Well the asthmatic patients in the north from Nonga base hospital are complaining about this and readily so cos it can affect their breathing, and that's where Im coming from for people to look after themselves, take precautions and move if they have to."
Colonel Eric Ani says the volcano is being closely monitored.
