The Kīlauea volcano is erupting, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO).
On Sept. 29, an eruption began. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) HVO elevated Kīlauea’s volcano alert level to “Warning” and its aviation color code to “Red” to assess the intensity of the eruption and identify associated hazards.
As of Oct. 7, lava continues to erupt from two vents, one along the floor and one in the western wall of Halema’uma’u crater.
“All lava activity is confined within Halema’uma’u crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,” according to the USGS. “Seismicity and volcanic gas emission rates remain elevated.”
This most recent eruption at Kīlauea’s summit is taking place within a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. High levels of volcanic gas are the primary hazard of concern, the USGS added, as this hazard can have far-reaching effects downwind.
As sulfur-dioxide is released from the summit, it reacts in the atmosphere and creates vog (volcanic smog) that has been detected downwind of Kīlauea. The vog poses a possible risk such as airborne health hazards to the community and can negatively affect agricultural crops, other plants and livestock.
Under southerly wind conditions, there may also be a dusting of powdery to gritty ash composed of volcanic glass and rock fragments. These ashfalls are a potential minor hazard to the public. Residents are advised to be aware that dustings of ash in areas around the Kīlauea summit are possible.
