By VERONICA MANUK
Mt Tavurvur in East New Britain province has begun emitting gas from a new vent that opened up during the weekend after five weeks of low level activity.
The new vent was formed in the northeastern section of the crater rim as a result of a lava dome blocking the vent of the main crater floor.
The Rabaul Volcano Observatory acting director Herman Batia said lava accumulated at the main vent was about 20m high and 50m in diameter which was responsible for the continuous red glow that was visible at night.
There was a slight increase in the seismic activity but was still at a low level. Mr Batia said the low frequency earthquakes had increased from 20 for the three first days of this month to 85 as of last Saturday.
Two high frequency earthquakes were also recorded.
Since yesterday morning, the emission changed to occasional thick dark grey ash clouds. The ash clouds were rising to about 2km before drifting south of the volcano.
Mr Batia said fine ash was expected on villages south of the caldera, roaring noises were heard and red glow around the crater was visible at night.
He said the parameters observed showed that Tavurvur again was restless and the current activities mentioned were expected to continue.
However, there was little indication of any build up that might lead to any major eruption like in October 2006.
The public was warned to wear mask and protect themselves in dust affected areas and not to venture close to the volcano.