Volcano erupts again, resettlement project for Manam needed

CONTINUOUS volcanic eruptions on Manam Island in Madang calls for more consideration to be given to the Manam resettlement project, says Dugulava ward councillor Paul Maburau.
The volcano erupted again yesterday at 4am with lava flowing down its usual route from the crater between Kolang and Bokure villages.
This is the fourth in a series of eruptions: Aug 25, 2018; Oct 1, 2018; Dec 8, 2018; and Jan 8, 2019.
Maburau said the villagers around the island were fast asleep when the rumbling of the volcano began, followed by the blast.
He said villagers ran for their usual safety areas in their respective villages.
Maburau said scoria (volcanic rock) and thick ash fall affected Warisi, Bokure, Abaria and Gulei villages.
People were evacuated to safe zones.
Madang Governor Peter Yama who is in th Philippines said he had given 10 drums of fuel to Iabu local level government before Christmas in case disaster struck while Government accounts were closed.
Yama said the villages affected should not have any troubles with fuel.
Iabu local-level government president Kenny Boli confirmed he had received 10 fuel drums from Yama and had been using it to find food for the villagers.
Boli said there was enough fuel in some villages but some have already used up their share.
Manam villagers used the fuel to travel to villages on mainland Bogia and Murik Lakes in East Sepik to look for sago and other sources.