NBC News - Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts, spewing lava and billowing smoke
The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has erupted, spewing lava fountains over 200 feet high and reaching up to 8,000 feet into the sky. This activity began after seismic movements early Monday, prompting the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to raise alert levels from advisory to warning. The eruption is covering an old lava lake from 2020 and is developing faster than recent eruptions, though not as severe as the 2018 event that destroyed homes and forced evacuations. Despite the dramatic visuals, experts believe the eruption will remain contained within the Volcanoes National Park and does not currently threaten infrastructure or the public. In contrast, Iceland has experienced multiple eruptions this year, with lava affecting roads and nearing tourist areas.
Key Points:
- Kilauea volcano erupted with lava fountains over 200 feet high.
- USGS raised alert levels due to rapid development of the eruption.
- Current eruption covers an old lava lake from 2020.
- Experts expect the eruption to remain within Volcanoes National Park.
- No major threats to infrastructure or public safety are anticipated.
Details:
1. 🌋 Kilauea's Fiery Awakening
- A massive eruption occurred at Kilauea, Hawaii's second largest volcano, spewing scorching lava and indicating significant volcanic activity.
- The eruption has impacted local communities, prompting evacuations and disrupting daily life.
- Historically, Kilauea has been one of the most active volcanoes, with this eruption being one of the largest in recent years.
- Emergency response teams have been deployed to manage the situation, focusing on safety and minimizing damage.
- Comparisons to previous eruptions highlight the scale and intensity of this event, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness.
2. 🔥 Lava Fountains and Rising Alerts
- Lava fountains at Kilauea on Hawaii's Big Island are shooting over 200 feet high, indicating significant volcanic activity.
- The U.S. Geological Survey reports that lava is reaching as high as 8000 feet in the sky, highlighting the intensity of the eruption.
- Rising alerts have been issued, emphasizing the potential hazards and the need for increased monitoring and preparedness in the affected areas.
3. 🌊 Magma's Rapid Spread
- The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory raised alert levels from advisory to warning due to increased seismic activity, indicating a significant escalation in volcanic activity.
- Magma is now covering the old lava lake that blanketed the area in 2020, showing a rapid and unusual spread compared to typical volcanic activity.
- Today's volcanic activity is developing faster than most in recent years, highlighting an unusual acceleration that could have significant implications for the surrounding areas.
- The last eruption in September initially covered about four acres in the East Rift Zone, but was less dramatic and severe compared to current activity, underscoring the current escalation.
4. 🚨 Memories of Past Eruptions
- In 2018, lava flows destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate the Big Island, highlighting the severe impact on local communities.
- The eruption caused significant fear and disruption, with vivid imagery of cars engulfed in flames and streets covered in lava, illustrating the immediate dangers faced by residents.
- Community resilience was highlighted, with a strong sense of pride and love among the people despite the devastation, showcasing their ability to come together in times of crisis.
- Recovery efforts post-eruption included rebuilding homes and infrastructure, demonstrating the community's commitment to restoring normalcy and improving future preparedness.