DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Disasters & Emergencies

Pumice clogs island shores after Papua New Guinea eruption, stoking fears of food shortage

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A recent undersea volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea's Bismarck Sea has blanketed remote coastal communities on Manus Island with pumice.
  • The thick pumice rafts have blocked boats, damaged fishing grounds, and raised concerns about potential food shortages.
  • Residents report pumice layers several meters deep, disrupting daily life and sea transport.

Thick rafts of volcanic pumice, ejected by an ongoing undersea eruption in Papua New Guinea's Bismarck Sea, have choked the shores of remote coastal communities on Manus Island. The pumice has blocked boat access, damaged vital fishing grounds, and ignited fears of impending food shortages among residents.

Our livelihoods are based on saltwater, and with the influx of the pumice now, it's really affecting daily activities.

— Jayso James So-onA local government official describing the impact of the pumice on daily life and livelihoods.

The eruption, which began on May 8 approximately 125 km southeast of the island, has sent floating pumice and discolored water across the region. Local government official Jayso James So-on described the severe impact on daily life, noting that reefs are now covered and sea transport to the provincial capital, Lorengau, has been disrupted. "Our livelihoods are based on saltwater, and with the influx of the pumice now, it's really affecting daily activities," he stated.

Residents have observed pumice rock lining the coast in layers up to three meters deep, allowing them to walk in areas previously submerged. Volcanologist Mike Rosenberg of Earth Sciences New Zealand explained that such rafts form under specific conditions when gas-rich magma erupts. While the pumice itself is not inherently dangerous, its sheer volume impedes movement. These rafts can take months or years to sink after becoming waterlogged.

The pumice itself is not dangerous. The main issue is that it's just massive and you can't move through it easily.

— Mike RosenbergA volcanologist explaining the nature and immediate impact of the pumice rafts.

Daily life has become a struggle, with residents reporting difficulties in catching fish for food and traveling to Lorengau for essential supplies. Head teacher Michael Kuam of Timoenai, a settlement of about 800 people, warned that food and water supplies could soon dwindle. "People can't afford food too because they sell fish to get money," Kuam added. He has organized students and villagers to clear the pumice, hoping to prevent long-term damage to fishing grounds. Some collected pumice is being used to fill swampy areas and level the local sports field.

Food will run out first and then water. People can't afford food too because they sell fish to get money.

— Michael KuamA head teacher in Timoenai expressing concerns about dwindling supplies and economic hardship due to the pumice.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog