Kilauea volcano is no longer erupting and alert level is lowered from 'watch' to 'advisory'

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Kilauea is the most active of the five volcanoes that together form the Big Island of Hawaii. | Unsplash

The recently released geological status of the Kilauea volcano confirmed that it is no longer erupting.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have been observed to have dropped to near pre-eruption background levels, and Halema'uma'u lava lake is no longer receiving a lava supply.

“Lava supply to the lava lake appears to have ceased between May 11 and 13 based upon elevation measurements of the lake surface that showed the surface was no longer rising,” the United States Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS/HVO) reported. “Dwindling lava supply over the previous month had caused the active lava lake to shrink to two small ponds by May 11 and was completely crusted over by May 20. The last surface activity on the lake was observed on May 23.”

So far, the USGS/HVO have confirmed that at present there are “no indications suggesting that a resumption of volcanic activity is imminent.” However, Kilauea remains an active volcano and eruptions are still possible in the future.

The organization assured residents that notices will be issued once substantial changes are seen in the volcano’s activity. While there is only a weak plume at the summit of Kilauea caused by minor fumes observed from previously active areas within Halema'uma'u crater, continuing hazards are noted.

The hazards include Halema'uma'u crater wall instability, ground cracking and rockfalls that can be heightened by earthquakes within the area closed to the public. Additionally, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide gas levels can still be harmful. Gas odors from sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide may still be imminent.