Volcanologist warns of small tsunamis

Coastal communities around the Bismarck Sea are warned to remain alert for small tsunamis following a submarine volcanic eruption in the Central Bismarck Sea.

Principal Geodetic Surveyor at the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, Steve Saunders told NBC News that the eruptions are a bit larger, but it poses no imminent danger at the moment.

The eruption, known as the provisional “Titan Ridge Volcano,” was first detected on May 8 after earthquake activity and underwater acoustic signals were recorded in South of Rambutso, 125 kilometers southeast of Manus Province.

Mr Saunders says this is quite a rare event worldwide and probably the first activity of this kind seen in PNG in more than 100 years.

“The first indications of surface activity were on the 12th of May when we started to get satellite images showing a big plume of steam coming off.

“It is interpreted as some lava is building up under the sea, and it is getting close to the surface. He said.

Saunders explains that the volcano is far from populated areas, scientists warn there is a small possibility of tsunami activity if underwater collapses or explosive eruptions occur.

“From the hazard point of view, it is a long way, a hundred kilometers or more from any mainland or any cultivate islands, so the ash is invited to cause any acid but there is a small possibility of tsunamis.” Saunders said.

He said if the surface activity is more explosive, many small tsunamis are expected but if the new cone built under the water partially collapses, a slight bigger tsunami is expected.

Mr Saunders urged coastal communities to discuss emergency and tsunami preparedness plans.

Meantime, Authorities continue to monitor the eruption using satellite imagery and remote sensing equipment.