The Kadovar eruption in East Sepik Province continues.
The sleeping volcano started erupting on January 5.
In its 25th situation report, the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO) said the main crater produced continuous moderate to thick dark grey ash clouds up to February 27th, at which time they changed to thick white vapour.
There were occasional booming noises on February 25th and they were timed as every 5-6 minutes. On 27th and 28th, ‘rumbling’ noises were reported whilst weak to bright night-time glow was seen throughout the reporting period.
"The above sea level part of lava dome/flow which has re-emerged off shore from the South-East coastal vent appears to be growing very slowly," stated the Observatory.
"If lava production continues, the flow may build up and again slide down the submarine slope."
Meantime the RVO said ash fall remains a slight hazard in downwind areas.
“Small tsunamis are possible if the lava flow again collapses, their size will depend on the amount of material involved in any slope failure.”
Kadovar is located south of Ruprup (Blupblup) and 25km north from the Sepik river mouth.
In a previous report, the RVO said a possible eruption was witnessed by explorers in 1700.
“No other activity was reported until an outbreak of thermal activity in 1976 and a short period of seismic unrest in 2015.”
There are currently no inhabitants as the East Sepik Governor evacuated everyone, during the first week of eruption, to the mainland and Ruprup Island.
(File picture)