An undersea volcano has pushed floating volcanic rock onto areas of Papua New Guinea, upending daily life for communities on remote islands. The floating pumice has spread across the water, creating problems for those who live along the affected coastlines.
Huge stretches of volcanic rock have inundated remote islands in Papua New Guinea's Manus province. The scale of the pumice covering the water has been significant, blanketing areas that islanders rely on for their everyday needs.
The spread of the pumice has resulted in fears for water and food security. With the floating stone covering large areas, communities have been left worried about their ability to meet basic needs in the affected zones.
Residents say the pumice stone causes boats to sink like quicksand. The effect on vessels has made it difficult for islanders to move across the water, cutting off a vital means of getting around in the island communities.
As a result, residents have been left unable to fish, bathe or trade. These are activities central to daily life and livelihoods on the islands, and their disruption has compounded the difficulties facing the affected communities.
The episode highlights how an undersea volcanic event can have far-reaching consequences for isolated populations. For the islanders of Manus province, the floating pumice has turned the surrounding waters from a resource into an obstacle.