Manam Islanders flee

By ROSALYN ALBANIEL-EVARA, Post Courier

MORE than 200 Manam Islanders in Madang province have fled to mainland Bogia following increased volcanic activities over the weekend.
Paul Mamburau a councilor from Dugulava said yesterday morning that Manam had been experiencing increased activities resulting in lava flow and heavy ashfall from the volcanoe since last week.
He said the activities had intensified on Friday resulting in the villagers mostly from Waresi and Dugulava leaving the island for fear of their safety.
He said some 400 plus villagers were still on the island awaiting further notice advice from the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory.
He said the islanders who had left the island over the weekend have moved to Potsdam Care Center in the Yawar Local Level Government area. It is understood that the volcanic activities have since receded but that the people have been placed on high alert.
Attempts to talk to disaster officials in Madang were to no avail as most are out on election duties.
Attempts also to speak to RVO in Rabaul were also not successful