Kadovar volcano stabilising: Observatory

By GYNNIE KERO
The vent systems of the Kadovar volcano in East Sepik seem to have stabilised following its eruption three weeks ago, according to the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO).
Responding to a query by The National yesterday, about whether a crack deformation could result in a large chunk of the island falling into the sea, which could trigger a tsunami, principal geodetic surveyor Steve Saunders said: “No, it will not unless there is a significant increase in activity. At present it seems to have stabilised. (The vent system seems to have stabilised and is restricted to a relatively small part of the summit of the edifice.).”
Saunders said the RVO did not have a system to rate the possibility of a catastrophic eruption and what the consequences would be.
In a situational report issued by the observatory on Monday, eruption on Kadovar continues much the same as for the previous few days.
Some noise was heard on Ruprup Island emanating from Kadovar in the early hours of Monday morning.
A continuous white steam of plume is rising from the SE coastal vent from 400m to 700m above the island. The SE coastal vent emits a continuous strong red glow at night.
Mainly steam with minor ash is being emitted and is being blown variably in a sector between east through south to west.
High frequency events are still being recorded from Kadovar, but in reduced numbers. Low numbers of low frequency are also being recorded.
Due to the steepness of the island, landslides are possible and tsunamis may be generated.