Biem Island

The Department established radio contact with the Chief of Bam (Biem) Island, who is on site, yesterday evening.

“It can now be categorically stated that there has been no volcanic activity of any kind on that island,” says the Dept.

“Kadovar however, continues to produce a steam plume to a few hundred meters.”

This confirmation supports the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory’s statement on Sunday regarding the lack of volcanic activity on Biem.

Unconfirmed reports that Biem Island in East Sepik may erupt has redirected evacuation efforts.

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has instructed for the people of Biem to be moved first to the mainland.

The unconfirmed reports coming from the locals on Biem has prompted this swift action.

The evacuation plan, as stated by the East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird, was to get the Biem islanders to the safety of the mainland; this is now immediate.

“Reports of 12km high plumes above Bam (Biem) and Kadovar were probably thunder clouds,” stated the Observatory.

Furthermore, the RVO said meteorologists have reported thunderstorms in the vicinity, with tops consistent with the 12km reported heights.

“The images from Bam (Biem) purportedly showing a ‘sulphur plume’ in the water at the coast are probably showing long standing thermal feature,” says the Observatory.

Additionally, the RVO said a number of islanders returning from Biem yesterday have reported no unusual activity apart from tremors.