Prime Minister James Marape has announced an immediate K5 million relief package for Manus Province following undersea volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea that has disrupted coastal and island communities through large deposits of volcanic pumice washing ashore.
The emergency support will assist relief operations including food, clean water, emergency supplies, logistics and other essential services as communities continue to face disruptions to fishing, sea transport and access to basic necessities.
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Prime Minister Marape travelled to Manus this week to assess the situation firsthand and receive briefings from provincial authorities.
He was accompanied by Disaster Response Minister Dr Billy Joseph and welcomed by Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin and provincial leaders in Lorengau.
Speaker of Parliament and Manus MP Job Pomat has also been assisting response efforts on the ground.
According to information confirmed by the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, tremors linked to the undersea volcanic activity were first recorded on May 8 and 9 in the Central Bismarck Sea, about 125 kilometers southeast of Manus Province.
Authorities describe it as the first major activity of its kind since 1972.
Floating pumice rafts have since spread across coastal waters, affecting transport routes, disrupting fishing activities and raising concerns over food security and water supplies in affected villages.
Prime Minister Marape said the National Government’s immediate priority was protecting lives and supporting communities impacted by the disaster.
“We cannot stand and watch when Manus are exposed to this natural disaster,” he said.
He said the Government’s response would extend beyond financial assistance and include scientific assessments, technical advice, environmental monitoring and coordinated action involving the National Disaster Centre, Chief Secretary’s Office, provincial authorities and relevant agencies.
The Government will also assess the impact of volcanic material on marine ecosystems, reefs, sea transport routes, health and community water sources.
Prime Minister Marape said Manus communities depend heavily on the sea for food, income, transport and access to education and health services, making the impact particularly severe.
“For Manus, the sea is life. When the sea is affected, the people are affected,” he said.
He commended Governor Benjamin, Speaker Pomat, provincial authorities, disaster officers, churches and local leaders for their response efforts and acknowledged Minister Billy Joseph for coordinating immediate and long-term support measures.
Prime Minister Marape said the K5 million allocation would support immediate relief while further assessments determine whether additional interventions are required.
Priority areas include food distribution, clean water supply, transport support, health monitoring, environmental assessments and technical advice on managing volcanic pumice affecting beaches, reefs, lagoons and fishing zones.
He urged affected communities to continue following advice from disaster authorities and technical teams until assessments are completed.
“We are here because Manus matters. The people of Manus are our people. Their hardship is our national concern.”
“We will support them, work with their leaders, and help them recover,” Prime Minister Marape said.