A level three alert has been declared following a series of eruptions of the Manam volcano in Madang Province in Papua New Guinea.
The Post Courier website reports that the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory has issued the alert following a series of eruptions on Christmas Day which increased in magnitude over the next five days.
The website reports that local businessman Sir Peter Barter says the alert warns people not to climb to higher gardens or walk into or across valleys because of possible lava flow.
Sir Peter says the eruptions frightened over 1000 villagers who are demanding to be evacuated but government officials have gone to the island to provide assurance to them.
He says the Provincial Disaster Office advised people there appears to be no immediate danger providing precautions are followed.