Vulcanologists in Papua New Guinea say the latest eruption of the Manam volcano is typical of the way it has been behaving in recent months.
Volcanic activity intensified on Wednesday when the island's Digicel tower was toppled by the eruption, cutting communication to Manam.
According to the United States Geological Survey, an earthquake was observed just northeast of the volcano approximately two hours before the start of the latest eruption.
The Post Courier reports the Manam Resettlement Authority as saying late Thursday that there had been continuous eruptions since the previous day.
Steve Saunders, the principal geodetic surveyor at the Rabaul Volcano Observatory told Don Wiseman, the eruption was large, but typical of what has been happening over the last few months.
A picture of a flash of lava from the erupting volcano on Manam Island, Papua New Guinea. The island is one of the country's most active volcanoes. Photo: Supplied / Scott Waide
