RVO CONFIRMED SUBMARINE VOLCANO ERUPTS IN BISMARCK SEA
COASTAL COMMUNITIES PLACED ON HIGH ALERT
CAPTION: Photo Credit, NASA World View
BY LETHISA KOLOKOL
THE Rabaul Volcano Observatory has confirmed that this month a submarine volcanic eruption, began in the Central Bismarck Sea, South of Rambutso :125 kilometers southeast of Manus Province of Papua New Guinea and is still under observation.
Th eruption seismic tremors were first observed on May 8th and 9th, the first major activity since 1972.
Principal Geodetic Surveyor at the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, Steve Saunders confirmed on the Nasfund FM100 tallback show this morning, that the eruptions are a bit larger, but it poses no imminent danger at the moment.
The volcanologist explained that the increased seismic activity shows that the submarine volcano has pulled apart, meaning magma, gas, or superheated water is moving underground beneath the ocean floor.
He reported that locals have noticed ash and steam coming from the seamounts.
The underwater volcano eruption might cause a tsunami, but scientists do not know for sure yet and the experts at the Rabaul Volcano Observatory are closely monitoring the seismic anomalies.
Principal Geodetic Surveyor has advised the people around the Bismark sea to be on high alert and to coordinate with Provincial Disaster Coordinators on what they should do in the event of a tsunami.
The people located in South Coast of Manus, West Coast of New Ireland, North of East New Britan and all surrounding islands are advised to take necessary precautions.
