USGS photo of Fissure 8 and its channelized lava flow.

(BIVN) – Leilani Estates residents who live east of Pomaikai Street – an area that is under a mandatory evacuation – can now contact Civil Defense to schedule an official escort to their homes to retrieve important documents and belongings.

Emergency officials say escorted entry is conducted “only when conditions are stable and access is subject to change if conditions become unsafe.”

People with proof of residence can call Civil Defense at 935-0031 during normal business hours.

Leilani Estates west of Pomaikai Street remains open only to residents with official credentials. The same goes for Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road, which is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road residents with official credentials.

“There is no immediate threat,” civil defense says, “but residents in these areas should heed warnings from Civil Defense officials and be prepared to evacuate with little notice.”

An eruption community meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m., tonight, at the Pahoa High Cafeteria.

Gas emissions from the voluminous Fissure 8 eruption – and at the ocean entry it feeds – continue to be very high. “The Department of Health recommends limiting outside activities and staying indoors if you have breathing issues,” civil defense says.

Lava was entering the ocean at Kapoho over a broader length this morning, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted, with several minor incandescent points and small plumes and two larger entries and corresponding plumes. The upwelling areas were also more dispersed than yesterday, scientists say.