Manam Island Eruption August 2018

A volcano on Papua New Guinea’s Manam Island recently erupted sending around 2,000 of the Island’s 9,000 inhabitants to safer ground early Saturday morning.  The eruption began at 6am local time, sending an ash column more than 15km above sea level, according to the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO).  Ash falls from the eruption were so dense that sunlight was blocked for hours and trees broke under their weight.  Although the current eruption appears to be over, a new vent indicated that further volcanic activities are expected.  No casualties have been reported.  Located on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, Manam Island is just 10km wide and is home to the Pacific nation's most active volcanoes.