People on Papua New Guinea's remote Manam Island are being warned to avoid valleys after Tuesday's volcanic eruption.
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
The Rabaul Volcano Observatory's assistant director Ima Itikarai said the eruption started between 5 and 6am local time.
The eruption came from Manam's southern crater said Mr Itikarai.
He said while the observatory is monitoring the eruption remotely an eye-witness has confirmed plumes of ash and scoria, and a lava flow from the crater to the coast.
Two villages on the south-east of the island were showered in scoria rocks of 2 centimetres in diameter Mr Itikarai said.
He said the situation on the island is volatile and there is a risk of activity intensifying.
There were two main warnings according to Mr Itikarai.
"Stay away from the four main valleys where lava flow, pyroclastic flow, could be channeled into," he said.
"And pyroclastic flows are very dangerous."
Pyroclastic flows of hot gas and volcanic matter are capable of reaching 700 kilometres an hour and reaching temperatures of 1000 degrees celsius.
Ima Itikarai also warned of the potential for mud slides given the ash and scoria fall mixing with current heavy rains.
Manam has previously experienced similar mud slides which have destroyed houses.