No physical link between volcanoes: Expert

By GYNNIE KERO
THERE is no physical link between the volcanoes on Kadovar and Biem islands in East Sepik, according to the Rabaul Volcano Observatory.
Principal Geodetic Surveyor Steve Saunders said volcanic activities on Kadovar Island would not affect the other volcanoes.
The National has asked Saunders whether the eruption of the Kadovar volcano two weeks ago affectedBiem.
Saunders said: “The Biem volcano has not shown any signs whatsoever of increased volcanic activity.
“The islands of the Schouten Group are all fed by their own magma systems.
“And if one erupts, it will not affect the others. Again there is no physical link between these volcanoes, and the fact that one erupts, will have no effect what-so-ever on the others.”
On the rain and weak earthquakes experienced in the province, Saunders said: “The earthquakes are normal tectonic events and are located significant distances (100-150km) from the volcano.”
The earthquakes have been originating from the Adelbert Ranges, the mountain range in the inland Madang area.
Meanwhile, Chris Bais, from the East Sepik governor’s office, said more than 533 men, women and children had been resettled at the Dandan care centre on the mainland.
Bais acknowledged the efforts of those involved in assisting the
Kadovar islanders with relief supplies and moving them to safety on the mainland after the eruption 13 days ago.
“There is still a lot to be done and I urge all of us to maintain the same level of commitment throughout including the potential evacuation of Ruprup and Biem islanders,” he said.