PRIME MINISTER MARAPE ANNOUNCES K5 MILLION IMMEDIATE RELIEF SUPPORT FOR MANUS DISASTER
Prime Minister James Marape has announced an immediate K5 million National Government relief support package for Volcanic Pumice Disaster.
This follows the unusual undersea volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea that has caused large deposits of volcanic pumice and other marine discharge washed on shores of parts of Manus, affecting sea travel, fishing, food security, water access, and the daily livelihoods of coastal and island communities.
Prime Minister Marape arrived in Manus Province yesterday afternoon on an official visit to see the situation for himself, receive first-hand briefings from Provincial Authorities, and assure the people of Manus on the National Government support.
He was accompanied by Minister responsible for Disaster Response Dr Billy Joseph, and was received by Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin and Provincial Authorities at the Provincial Assembly headquarters in Lorengau.
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s immediate concern was the safety, well-being, and livelihood of the people. “We cannot stand and watch when Manus are exposed to this natural disaster,” Prime Minister Marape said. He said the K5 million immediate support would assist the Manus Provincial Government and disaster response teams to provide food, water, emergency supplies, logistics, and other essential support to affected communities. “Today is no ordinary time,” the Prime Minister said. “When our people are affected by a natural disaster, Government must respond. The needs across the country are always big, and we allocate in fairness with the resources available, but Manus is facing a situation that requires immediate attention.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s response would not stop at financial support, but would include technical assessments, scientific advice, logistical support, and coordinated action through the responsible Cabinet Ministry, the National Disaster Centre, the Chief Secretary’s Office, Provincial Authorities, and relevant technical agencies.
The Disaster follows undersea volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea, with the Rabaul Volcano Observatory confirming that tremors were first observed on 8th and 9th May 2026 in the Central Bismarck Sea, about 125 kilometres southeast of Manus Province, in what has been reported as the first major activity of this kind since 1972.
Current Reports indicate that floating pumice rafts have affected coastal communities, blocking sea transport, disrupting fishing, and raising concerns over food and water supplies in affected villages.
He said the Government would ensure that proper scientific and environmental assessments are conducted on the volcanic material and its impact on marine life, reefs, food sources, sea transport routes, health, water supplies, and the wider coastal environment.
