USGS Map

(BIVN) – Vigorous lava eruptions continue in the lower East Rift Zone. “Vacationland is completely covered by lava and a large laze plume is rising from the ocean entry in that area,” Hawaii County Civil Defense stated in a 1:30 p.m. mesdage. “The Fissure 8 flow has filled Kapoho Bay and is extending .7 miles from shore.”

Due to the current volcanic activity, emergency officials say the following policies are in effect:

• Residents are advised to stay away from all areas of volcanic activity.
• Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road, is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road residents only with official credentials. There is no curfew.
• Residents in this area should heed warnings from Civil Defense officials and be prepared to evacuate with little notice.

“The Keaau Armory shelter has reached capacity,” civil defense says. “If you need shelter, the covered court at Pahoa Community Center is open and pet-friendly.”

Another small explosion is expected to occur at the summit, based on recent observed patterns of increased earthquake activity culminating in a small explosion.

“Over the last week, sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano’s summit have decreased, but emission rates remain high enough to impact air quality in downwind regions.” the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said last night. “Additional bursts of gas released with intermittent explosive activity are also transported downwind and may temporarily affect air quality as well.”

USGS is now livestreaming a video of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea Volcano on YouTube.

Civil Defense also has this warning about a change in air quality for parts of the island:

The National Weather Service reports slow, easterly winds are expected to bring vog to the island interior starting tonight, and over the next two days. Volcanic gas output and ash emissions may increase, affecting air quality across the central and southern half of the island. The trades are expected to pick up again by the weekend.

Due to the changing wind conditions, civil defense says the following is provided for your information:

• Take action to limit further exposure.
• A community meeting on volcanic ash and VOG will be held at 5:30 this evening, in Kona at the West Hawaii Civil Center Council Chambers – Building A.
• You can monitor volcanic gas levels on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website or go directly to epa.gov.