Large Eruption Of Manam Volcano Sends Ash To 50,000 ft

Manam volcano erupts strongly, sends ash to 50,000ft (15km) two days after dramatic Ulawun eruption in Papua New Guinea

Just 2 days after the large eruption of Ulawun, another large explosive eruption was recorded at Manam volcano in Papua New Guinea on June 28, 2019.

Yes another unusual, short-lived, and very intense eruptive episode with lava fountaining, starting around 13:00 local time, with an ash plume that rose to 50,000 ft (15 km) altitude.

This is the second major eruption in two days in Papua New Guinea. After Ulawun on June 26, 2019 – more than 7,000 people evacuated – now Manam!

There will be no aircrafts flying overnight to and from Madang. All flights on Saturday and Sunday will be resheduled next week.

A few hours later, the ash plume had separated from the volcano and was observed drifting SW.

VAAC Darwin issued a warning and mentioned that it was expecting the plume to dissipate within 12 hours above an area over the southern part of Papua New Guinea.

#Manam volcano, Papua New Guinea. Remarks: Satellite imagery indicate ongoing eruption to FL500 [50000ft]. Volcanic ash height and movement based on Himawari-8 imagery and model guidance. Source: @flightradar24. Ash advisory extending into Indonesian territory (Province of Papua) pic.twitter.com/wgi0A1Bvld

— Øystein Lund Andersen (@OysteinLAnderse) June 28, 2019

No reports about significant damage have been received. Local reports indicate heavy ash fall blocking out the sunlight.

Another eruption today in Papua New Guinea, this time it's #Manamvolcano  (Manam Motu, island off north New Guinea coast) plume partially hidden in the clouds but more clear in the sulphur dioxide channel (right) of Himawari-8 #Manammotu #volcano #eruptionpic.twitter.com/bgIzkkuErr

— YouStorm (@YouStormorg) June 28, 2019

A few hours after the main eruptive event, activity decreased again to now weaker ash emissions to 15,000 ft (4.5 km) altitude. 

And as the SO2 emissions from #Ulawun disperse over #PapuaNewGuinea on June 28, #Manam (western PNG) also erupts. The SO2 plume from Manam is evident in this #Sentinel5P #Tropomidata above the 'background' from Ulawun. pic.twitter.com/iEwi2Ly78f

— Simon Carn (@simoncarn) June 28, 2019

Such powerful eruptions occur frequently (every few months) at the volcano, with the latest on May 14 and January 24, 2019. In most cases, lava and pyroclastic flows are produced.

Meanwhile, a state of emergency has been declared and troops have been sent to help 7,000 and 13,000 of people displaced by the Ulawun volcanic eruption on a remote archipelago in Papua New Guinea on June 26, 2019.