Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Manam Islanders warned of danger from latest eruption
Vulcanologists in Papua New Guinea are warning Manam Islanders to take care following a large eruption this week.
Volcanic activity intensified on Wednesday when the island's Digicel tower was toppled by the eruption, cutting communication to Manam.
According to the United States Geological Survey, an earthquake was observed just northeast of the volcano approximately two hours before the start of the volcanic eruption.
Steve Saunders, the principal geodetic surveyor at PNG's Rabaul Volcano Observatory, said Manam islanders need to be aware of the danger, particularly in the valleys.
He said the latest eruption appears to continue the typical pattern since the volcano began an ongoing series of eruptions back in August last year.
"In past experience when we have that sort of activity they tend to get bigger. The eruption yesterday was large but I'm not sure it was substantially larger than the ones in the past few months but the fact is because of past experience the eruptions can get bigger and it's a small island with a big population, so we have to warn people to be careful, especially in some of the valleys where flows come down, pyroclastic flows etc."
The Post Courier reported the Manam Resettlement Authority as saying late Thursday that there had been continuous eruptions since the previous day.
The Authority noted very high temperatures caused by activity and that "water sources and food gardens were completely destroyed".
It has indicated an urgent need for a temporary shelter in Bogia on PNG's mainland, and a requirement for a boat to evacuate Manam Islanders.
The Manam volcano's activity has been dynamic for months.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Peter Dunne: Luxon Gets Out His Butcher's Knife - Briefly
Binoy Kampmark: Warring Against Encryption, Australia Is Coming For Your Communications
Gordon Campbell: On Fast Track Powers, Media Woes And The Tiktok Ban
Binoy Kampmark: Censorship Wars, Elon Musk, Safety Commissioners And Violent Content
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
Ramzy Baroud: NATO’s Never-ending War: The 75-Year-Old Bully Is Faltering