Manam Volcano

Updated: Jun 15, 2025 02:25 GMT - refresh

stratovolcano

Papua New Guinea, -4.08°S / 145.04°E

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Summit height: 1807 m / 5,928 ft

Current status: minor activity or eruption warning (3 out of 5)

Last update: 21 May 2025 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

Manam volcano located 13 km off the northern coast of New Guinea near Bogia town is one of Papua New Guinea's most active volcanoes. It has one of the longest records of historic eruptions in the SE Pacific region. The larger eruptions of Manam produce pyroclastic flows and sometimes lava flows. Both have repeatedly reached the coast and affected populated areas.
A large series of eruptions began at Manam in November and December 2004. It forced evacuations from the whole island. A pyroclastic flow at Manam volcano on 3 December 1996 killed 13 people in the village of Budua.

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Manam webcams / live data | News/Updates | Earthquakes

Typical eruption style: explosive
Manam volcano eruptions: ongoing since Aug 2010 (31 July 2015: large vulcanian explosion), 2004 (24 Oct: subplinian eruption) - Dec 2009, Oct 2003 - March 2004, 2003 (May), 2002 (Oct -?), 2002 (Jan-Mar), 2001 (June), 2000 (June), 1974-1999, 1965-66, 1963-64, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1959-60, 1959, 1956-58, 1954, 1953, 1946-47, 1936-39, 1932-34, 1926-28, 1925, 1924?, 1923, 1922, 1920-21, 1919, 1917, 1909-14?, 1907?, 1904, 1904, 1901-02?, 1899, 1887-95, 1885, 1884?, 1887, 1830, 1700, 1643, 1616

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Background

Manam island is the submerged top of a large stratovolcano. It is circular and 10 km in diameter. While there is vegetation on its lower slopes are vegetated, the upper slopes are bare due to its frequent eruptions. 4 large valley radiate from the summit area down to the lower slopes. They are spaced 90 degrees apart and known as "avalanche valleys", because pyroclastic flows are usually channeled inside one or several of these valleys.
Manam has 2 active summit craters, remnants of an old caldera visible at an elevation of 900 m, and 5 small flank craters located near the island's shoreline on the northern, southern and western sides.
Most historic eruptions, recorded since 1616, originated from the southern crater and erupting many pyroclastic flows into the SW avalanche valley.

Significant volcanic eruptions: Manam volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Manam has had at least 41 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. Additionally, there are 5 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Manam volcano.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Manam volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Manam can be found on the news page of Manam volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Deaths	Damage
2018 May 10 ±10 d. - ongoing	Southern and Main Craters Historical obs./docs.	4
2019 Jun 28 (eruption 2014 Jun 29 - 2018 or later)	Historical obs./docs.	4		moderate	Info
2019 Jun 28: Manam volano erupted on Friday 28 June at 07:00 (PGT), emitting volcanic ash up to 4,572 meters (15,000 feet) and superheated pyroclastic flows to the west and northeast slopes of the volcano, according to Rabaul Volcanological Observatory. According to reports from partners on the ground, up to seven villages including Dugulava, Yassa, Budua, Madauri, Waia, Dangale and Bokure were affected by ashfall and pyroclastic flow and debris. Approximately 755 households (3,775 people) have moved to three care centres. The largest is Baliau with 447 households (2,235 people), followed by Kuluguma with 182 households (910 people), while 76 households (380 people) are staying in Boda and 50 households (250 people) are staying in Iassa. (reference #12453) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12453 United Nations, Office of the Resident Coordinator (2019): Papua New Guinea: Volcanic Activity. Office of the Resident Coordinator, Flash Update No. 3. As of 02 July 2019. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2019 Jan 7 (eruption 2014 Jun 29 - 2018 or later)	Historical obs./docs.	4		light	Info
2019 Jan 7: One of Papua New Guineas most active volcanoes has erupted, authorities said Tuesday, pummelling villages on a remote island with volcanic rock before subsiding. Manam island is a volcanic cone that towers out of the sea north of the Papua New Guinea mainland and has a history of eruptions, with major activity in November 2004 forcing the evacuation of some 9,000 people. The volcano has erupted a number of times since then and spewed lava and ash last month. A series of tremors around Manam triggered a warning system on Monday and the volcano began erupting shortly after, the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory said. The eruption continued into early Tuesday, Ima Itikarai of the observatory told AFP. An observatory report said there were "small ongoing eruptions" from the main crater early Tuesday. Lava was channelled into a nearby valley and "intermittent bursts" of volcanic rock falling on villages, adding to a heightened risk of mudflows, it added. (reference #12340) 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. (reference #12341) Cited references #12340 Daily Times (Pakistan) (2019): Volcano erupts on remote Papua New Guinea island. Published 09 January 2019. #12341 Radio New Zealand (2019): Avoid valleys on PNG's volcanic Manam Island. Published 10 January 2019. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 Aug 25 (eruption 2014 Jun 29 - 2018 or later)	Historical obs./docs.	4		heavy	Info
2018 Aug 25: Manam Volcano, on an island off the coast of Madang province in northern Papua New Guinea, erupted early in the morning of 25 August. Lava and ash are affecting nine of 13 villages on the island, which has a population of about 7,000 people. As of 28 August, two of these villages, Dangale (239 people) and Kolang (143 people), have been evacuated to unaffected locations on the island. Kolang (population 143) have 70 Completely destroyed households and now residing at Madauri village. Dangale (population 239) have 94 completely destroyed households and now residing at Zogari village. Manam is one of the most active volcanoes in PNG. The island is 10km wide and roughly 15km from the mainland in the Madang province. The most recent eruption occurred at about 6:00 am on Saturday, 25 August, emitting lava, thick mud and ash that affected many villages and forced two villages to relocate to unaffected areas on the island. No lives were lost, but many houses and food gardens have been destroyed. Since the volcanic activity in 2004, most of Manams original residents continue to live on the mainland in care centres waiting to be resettled by the government. Some had returned to the island voluntarily and have again been affected by the active volcano. Although recent population figures for the island are not available, the government estimates that more than 7,000 people, including the population of Manam and the smaller neighbouring island of Boisa, have been affected. The difference in the impact on Dangale and Kolang compared to the other affected villages was that they were destroyed by lava flow. Heavy ash, thick mud and lava have also caused extensive damage to vegetation and food gardens and contaminated water sources in several parts of the island. (all above from reference #12223) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12223 ACAPS (2018): Papua New Guinea, Manam Island Volcano - Madang. Needs assessment briefing note, September 2018. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2014 Jun 29 - 2018 or later	Southern and Main craters Historical obs./docs.	4
2015 Jul 31 (eruption 2014 Jun 29 - 2018 or later)	Historical obs./docs.	2		light	Info
2015 Jul 31: There are reports children have been injured, and homes and crops destroyed, following a volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea's Madang province. After close to 11 years, the volcano on Manam island erupted again on Friday. The Post Courier says according to reports from villagers, two children were injured by stones which rained down from the volcano. Both were taken to Bogia Health Centre and are recovering. Scores of houses, food gardens and water sources were also destroyed, while two of the three schools, Boisa Elementary and Baliau Elementary has been shut down indefinitely. (reference #11240) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #11240 Radio New Zealand (2015): PNG volcano awakens to destroy crops and homes. Updated at 12:46 pm on 3 August 2015. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2010 Aug 10 ? - 2013 Dec 15 or later	South Crater, Main Crater Historical obs./docs.	3
2004 Oct 24 - 2009 Dec 12 ?	South Crater, Main Crater Historical obs./docs.	4?
2007 Mar (eruption 2004 Oct 24 - 2009 Dec 12 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	4	4		Info
2007 Mar: Four people were killed and one injured from an "ash-and-mud avalanche" in a valley on the northern part of the island. (reference #9675) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2005 Jan 27 (eruption 2004 Oct 24 - 2009 Dec 12 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	4	1		Info
2005 Jan 27: 14 injured and one killed at Warisi village, apparently due to heavy ashfall. (reference #9675) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2004 Oct 24 (eruption 2004 Oct 24 - 2009 Dec 12 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	4	5		Info
2004 Oct 24: 2004, October 24. Two elderly women and three children died from respiratory complications from ash inhalation. (reference #9675) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2003 Oct 26 ±5 d. - 2004 Mar 28	Main Crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2003 May 17 - May 23	Main Crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2002 Oct 31	Historical obs./docs.	2
2002 Jan 13 - May 21	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	3?
2001 Jun 14 - Jun 25 ?	Historical obs./docs.	2
2000 Jun 3 - Jun 4	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1974 Mar 4 ? - 1999 Nov 9 ?	South Crater, Main Crater Historical obs./docs.	3
1996 Dec 3 (eruption 1974 Mar 4 ? - 1999 Nov 9 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	3	13		Info
1996 Dec 3: 1996, December 3. Pyroclastic flows overran the village of Budua Old on the SW flank, resulting in 13 deaths. Wilham lists range of 4-13 fatalities and 29 injured. (reference #9675) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1965 Jul 2 ±182 d. - 1966 Jan 25 or later	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1963 Nov 26 - 1964 Apr 16 ±15 d.	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1963 Feb 15 ±14 d. - May 8 or later	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1962 Apr 16 ±15 d.	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1961 Jul 16 ±15 d. - Sep 16 ±15 d.	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1959 Dec 16 ±15 d. - 1960 Dec 16 ±15 d.	Main Crater, South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1959 Jun 16 ±15 d. - Jul 16 ±15 d.	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	2
1956 Dec 8 - 1958 Aug 16 ±15 d.	South Crater, Main Crater Historical obs./docs.	3
1954 May 16 ±15 d. - Jun 16 ±15 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1953 Apr 16 ±15 d. - Aug 16 ±15 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1946 Dec 1 ±30 d. - 1947 Sep	South Crater Historical obs./docs.	3
1936 Sep - 1939	Main Crater, South Crater Historical obs./docs.	3
1932 - 1934	Historical obs./docs.	2
1926 Mar - 1928 Mar 1 ±30 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1925	Historical obs./docs.	2?
?? 1924	Uncertain Eruption	2?
?? 1923	Uncertain Eruption	2?
1922	Historical obs./docs.	3?
1920 Dec 5 ? - 1921 Mar	Historical obs./docs.	2
1919 Aug 11	South Crater, Main Crater Historical obs./docs.	4
1917	Historical obs./docs.	2
1909 - 1914 ?	Historical obs./docs.	2
?? 1907	Uncertain Eruption	?
1904 Oct 26 - Oct 27	Historical obs./docs.	3?
1904 Apr 30 ±30 d.	Historical obs./docs.	?
?? 1901 - 1902	Uncertain Eruption	?

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Eruptions of Manam volcano

2007 landslide
A landslide in March 2007 killed 4 people.

2006 large eruption
A large eruption on 27 February 2006 from Manam's Southern Crater sent an eruption column to 19 km altitude and forced the evacuation of hundreds of inhabitants.

2005 major eruptions on 27-28 February
A large eruption occurred on 27 January. It formed a large eruption plume with a wide, circular umbrella ash cloud reaching a maximum of 21-24 km (60-70,000 ft) altitude.
There were 14 injured and 1 dead at Warisi village. The eruption caused widespread destruction on the island and the volcano observatory was destroyed. Ashfall was reported ~230 km W of Manam.
Another large eruption occurred around 23h00 on 28 January, generating a plume that reached 18 km altitude.
(Source: Smithsonian / GVP monthly reports)

2004 large eruptions
Several large explosive eruptions occurred in late October - December 2004, producing eruption columns reaching up to ca. 15 km altitude:
24 October: 15 km altitude. Pyroclastic flows reached the sea and lava flowed 600 m down the SE valley.
31 October: 13.7 km;
10-11 November (powerful strombolian eruption): 9 km;
23-24 November: 10 km;
20 December: 15 km altitude.

5 people were killed, mostly due to inhaling ash, and 9600 people were evacuated. The ash damaged crops, water supplies, and houses.
Mild to strong strombolian-type activity from the summit crater was occurring in the intervals between the larger explosions.
The eruption had also an effusive component and generated lava flows flowing into the NE radial valley. The lava flow followed the Boakure side of the valley and covered the older flows from the 1992-1994 eruption.
(Source: GVP weekly and monthly reports) ...more info

Manam Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Manam volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Manam began in 2018 and is continuing (as of June 2025).

+How often does Manam volcano erupt?

Since 1616 AD, Manam volcano has had at least 41 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 10 years.
Many eruptions of Manam have lasted more than one year. In total, the volcano has been in eruption during 106 out of 409 years until now. In other words, Manam has been active at least one in 3.9 years on average. Note that this value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruptions from Manam is likely incomplete, especially further back in time.

+How active is Manam volcano at present?

Manam volcano is extremely active: Since 1900, it has been near-continuously active, showing eruptive activity during 90 years out of 126 as of now. The latest eruption is still continuing at present.

+When was the largest eruption of Manam volcano?

The largest eruption of Manam volcano in historic times occurred during 2014 - 2018. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

Latest satellite images

Manam Volcano Maps

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).