The Disaster and Emergency Office in Lae said Ritter Island erupted Saturday, suddenly spewing ash and smoke and catching the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory by surprise.

Waves created by the eruption smashed into Kabi and Kampalap villages on the eastern part of Siassi (Umboi)  Island, flattening four houses and sending about 10,000 local villagers fleeing to the hills for safety.

There were no immediate reports of casualties. A surveillance team is headed to the area to check on the situation on the ground. 

Ritter Island is an active volcano, but there was no seismic activity in the area to indicate an explosive eruption was imminent.

In 1888, half of the Ritter Island was destroyed by a massive eruption  that triggered a huge tsunami  that claimed hundreds of lives.