Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, resumed its eruption on Wednesday, displaying mesmerizing fountains of lava within the safe confines of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
Lava erupts and flows from a Kilauea volcano fissure, towards the Pacific Ocean, on Hawaii's Big Island on May 21, 2018 near Pahoa, Hawaii. Officials are concerned that 'laze', a dangerous product produced when hot lava hits cool ocean water, will affect residents.
Mount Kilauea Erupts for the Second Time This Year
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory announced that the eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano began on Wednesday morning, June 7. As per CNN's report, the observatory detected the onset of the eruption at approximately 4:44 a.m. HST on June 7, 2023, within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kilauea's summit caldera, which is located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
During the initial stages of the eruption, webcam images revealed fissures at the base of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, resulting in lava flows on the crater floor. The activity is currently confined to Halemaʻumaʻu, and the hazards associated with the eruption will be continually evaluated as it progresses, as stated by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
This is the second time Mount Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, has erupted this year. The alert level for Kilauea has been raised to red, indicating a "warning" status. However, there is currently no indication that populated areas are at risk.
The eruption is contained within the national park, and the National Park Service (NPS) has identified safe locations for visitors to observe the event. The NPS advises following safety precautions and respecting the significance of the eruption as a sacred event. The eruption is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the park.
This recent eruption follows previous activity in January and increased unrest in May. In 2018, a major eruption of Kilauea resulted in significant destruction, with slow-moving lava engulfing hundreds of homes and filling Kapoho Bay. The interaction of lava with the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean caused steam and hazardous particles, emphasizing the importance of caution during volcanic events.
Despite the spectacle and attraction of the eruption, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring public safety within the designated areas.
Authorities Raise Alert for Volcanic Gas
A live video from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) captures the mesmerizing sight of glowing lava forcefully spewing into the air from the summit of the volcano.
As per NPR, authorities have issued a code red alert for the area, indicating a high level of alertness and potential danger. According to the USGS, significant amounts of volcanic gas, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, are continuously being released during the eruption.
The mixture of volcanic gas with the atmosphere can create volcanic smog, a haze that poses health risks to humans, livestock, and crops, particularly in downwind areas.
The eruption also brings additional hazards such as unstable walls, ground cracking, rockfalls, and the formation of "Pele's hair." These are delicate glass fibers formed from gas bubbles that elongate into thin strands and can become airborne, posing further risks.
RELATED ARTICLE: Kilauea Volcanic Eruption Finally Ceased After 61 Days; USGS Confirms Lava No Longer Flowing
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