11.   Small towns and farms near the volcano have been blanketed by heavy ash falls.

12.   Supplies of drinking were very low after all the Palma water sources were heavily contaminated by the ash fall, he added.

13.   The ash fall was so heavy that the airport was closed, and Catania officials said they may have to declare a state of emergency.

14.   They checked homes to see if roofs could withstand a heavy ash fall and considering relocating some families.

15.   NauFM Radio, quoting the Volcano Observatory, said there were moderate to heavy ash falls across the Rabaul town.