In July 1998 the area surrounding the town of Aitape was hit by an enormous tsunami caused by a Magnitude 7.0 earthquake which killed over 2,000 people.

The five villages along the west coast of Vanimo towards the International Border are namely; Lido, Waromo, Yako, Musu and Wutung.

The area, like much of Papua New Guinea, is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

[4][5][6] The province was governed by a decentralised provincial administration, headed by a Premier, from 1978 to 1995.

Following reforms taking effect that year, the national government reassumed some powers, and the role of Premier was replaced by a position of Governor, to be held by the winner of the province-wide seat in the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.