Eruption Forces Evacuations In Residential Hawaii

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Photo: U.S. Geological Survey

The eruption in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano that began late Thursday afternoon ended by about 6:30 p.m. HST. Lava spatter and gas bursts erupted from the fissure for about two hours, and lava spread a short distance from the fissure, less than about 10 m (33 ft).

The fissure is not erupting lava and no other fissures have erupted.

Due to the eruption, the following are issued:

  • Hawaii Fire Department reports extremely high levels of dangerous Sulfur Dioxide gas detected in the evacuation area. Elderly, young, and people with respiratory issues need to comply with the mandatory evacuation order and leave the area.
  • All residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions are required to evacuate.
  • The Pahoa Regional Community Center and the Kea’au Community Center are open for shelter.
  • Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.
  • Hawaii Police Department reminds the public that a temporary flight restriction is in place for most of lower Puna. Drones can be confiscated in the Temporary Flight Restriction Area (TFR).
  • Pohoiki Road is closed from the intersection at Highway 132 down to Highway 137 to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.
  • Puna Geothermal Venture operations have been shut down indefinitely until further notice.
  • Avoid travel to the evacuation area for everyone’s safety.

Geologists reported that the presence of sulfur gas is quite noticeable around the fissure, typical of active and recently active fissures. The concentration of sulfur dioxide gas is high within tens of meters (yards) of the fissure.

Tiltmeters at Kīlauea’s summit continue to record deflationary tilt and the lava lake level has dropped about 37 m (121 ft) in the past 24 hours.

Areas downslope of the erupting vent are at risk of lava inundation. At this time, the general area of the Leilani subdivision appears at greatest risk.

The opening phases of fissure eruptions are dynamic. Additional vents and new lava outbreaks may occur and at this time it is not possible to say where new vents may occur.

[USGS Volcano Hazards Program]

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