One of the most active volcanoes in the world erupted once more early Monday, with lava fountains stretching greater than 200 ft and a plume of poisonous fuel hovering above Hawaii, officers mentioned.
Kilauea’s eruption started round 2 a.m. and “might go for some time,” mentioned Ken Hon, head scientist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
There have been no instant threats to infrastructure, the U.S. Geological Survey mentioned.
Hon mentioned “vog” — a doubtlessly dangerous mixture of water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide — was anticipated in elevated ranges in areas south and west of the volcano within the coming days. The volcanic smog is predicted to be extreme, and he inspired residents to remain indoors.
Lava fountains as excessive as 262 ft have been seen at 4:30 a.m., the company mentioned, and “lava bombs” and different molten materials have been being ejected from the crater’s ground. As of 5:30 a.m., the company estimated that 400 acres of the caldera ground was coated in lava.
The volcano, in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, has been erupting since 1983. Its most up-to-date eruptions have been in June and September, Hon mentioned.
Dozens of homes were destroyed after an eruption in 2018 that compelled 1000’s to flee.
