PRIME Minister James Marape has announced an immediate K5 million National Government relief support package for Manus Province following the unusual undersea volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea that has caused large deposits of volcanic pumice and other marine discharge to wash onto the 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 that the National Government will not leave them alone in their time of need. He was accompanied by Minister responsible for Disaster Response Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, and was received by Manus Governor Hon. Charlie Benjamin and Provincial Authorities at the Provincial Assembly headquarters in Lorengau. Manus MP and Speaker of the National Parliament Hon. Job Pomat has also been on the ground in recent days assisting Provincial Authorities and communities affected by the disaster.
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.
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. 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. “This is not just about what we see on the surface. It is about the livelihood of our people, the safety of our communities, the condition of our reefs, the movement of boats, access to food and water, and the long-term well-being of Manus Province,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister said many Manus communities depend heavily on the sea for daily life, including fishing for food, earning income, travelling between islands and villages, accessing markets, and reaching health and education services. He said the volcanic pumice deposits had created a very difficult situation for coastal and island communities, especially as Papua New Guinea also begins to experience the effects of El Niño conditions in some parts of the country. “For Manus, the sea is life. When the sea is affected, the people are affected. When fishing is disrupted, food and income are disrupted. When boats cannot move, access to markets, schools, health services and family support is disrupted. That is why the National Government is here,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape commended Governor Charlie Benjamin, Speaker Job Pomat, the Manus Provincial Government, District and Local Level Government leaders, disaster officers, Church and community leaders, and public servants who have been working on the ground to assess the situation and support affected communities. He also
acknowledged Minister Dr Billy Joseph and Disaster Response Authorities for accompanying him to Manus and for working with Provincial Authorities on immediate and longer-term response measures. “I want to thank Governor Charlie Benjamin, Speaker Job Pomat, Minister Dr Billy Joseph, the Provincial Administration, Disaster Officers, and all leaders on the ground. This is a time for all levels of Government to work together for our people,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said Manus Province holds a special place in Papua New Guinea’s national story, especially through its contribution to education, public service, national administration, Churches, defence, business, and human resource development.
“Manus has anchored our country’s human resources. Many teachers, public servants, professionals and leaders who helped shape this country came from Manus. Manus’ human resources contribute enormously to the way this country is today,” Prime Minister
Marape said. He said the National Government’s assistance was a recognition of Manus’ contribution to the nation and the Government’s duty to stand with every Province in times of hardship. “Manus has given much to Papua New Guinea. In this time of need, Papua New Guinea must also stand with Manus,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said the K5 million support would be made available to assist immediate Relief Efforts, while
further assessments would determine whether additional interventions were required. He said priority areas would include food relief, clean water supply, transport support, community safety, health monitoring, environmental assessment, and technical advice on how to manage the volcanic pumice affecting beaches, reefs, lagoons, boat passages, and fishing areas.
The Prime Minister also urged affected communities to continue cooperating with provincial disaster officers, local leaders, and technical teams, and to take precautions around affected waters until proper assessments are completed. “I ask our people in affected communities to listen to the advice of disaster officers and technical experts. Your safety is our first priority. Government will continue to work with your Provincial leaders to support you through this difficult time,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He said the Marape-Rosso Government would continue to respond to disasters across the country in a fair and responsible manner, guided by the needs of the people and the capacity of the State. “As Prime Minister, I want every Province to know that when disaster strikes, the National Government will be present. We may not solve everything overnight, but we will not abandon our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by assuring the people of Manus that the Government would remain engaged until the immediate emergency is stabilised and longer-term solutions are identified. “We are here because Manus matters. The people of Manus are our people. Their hardship is our national concern. We will support them, we will work with their leaders, and we will help them recover,” Prime Minister Marape said.