Pumice clogs island shores after Papua New Guinea eruption, stoking fears of food shortage

An undersea eruption in Papua New Guinea's Bismarck Sea has produced thick rafts of volcanic pumice that are drifting toward Manus Island, clogging boats, damaging fishing grounds and fueling fears of food shortages. The eruption began on May 8 about 125 km southeast of Manus, and NASA satellite data show pumice and discolored water radiating from the site. Coastal villages report reefs buried and transport to Lorengau, the provincial capital, disrupted. Local government official Jayso James So-on called for disaster-response measures, while Prime Minister James Marape ordered agencies to assess the undersea activity. Scientists say the pumice is massive but not inherently dangerous.