Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted on Wednesday after a three-month pause, sending glowing lava into the air. The eruption is confined to the Halemaumau crater in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, ensuring safety for nearby communities. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, webcam footage detected the glowing eruption early in the morning, with lava flowing from fissures on the crater floor. The eruption is contained within the caldera, posing no immediate threat to homes or infrastructure.
Jessica Ferracane, spokesperson for the park, noted that the eruption is an awe-inspiring sight from various viewpoints around the park, and visitors are flocking to catch a glimpse of the lava spectacle. The lava lake measured about 371 acres, with fountains reaching up to 150 feet earlier in the morning, though these had calmed slightly by mid-afternoon. Park officials, however, remind visitors to respect safety protocols and stay within designated areas.
Kilauea Resumes Activity as Spectators Flock to Witness Lava Fountains
Increased volcanic activity was signaled by earthquake tremors and ground deformation at Kilauea’s summit, leading to Wednesday’s eruption. All lava activity remains confined within the summit caldera, and no lava flows threaten the surrounding communities. Mike Zoeller, a geologist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, confirmed that there’s no risk of a rift zone eruption, which could endanger nearby areas.
Residents in downwind towns such as Pahala reported light ash and Pele’s hair falling, a common occurrence during eruptions. Visitors are being drawn to the park for a rare spectacle of nature, with experts like Janice Wei witnessing lava fountains shooting as high as 150 feet. However, as the day progressed, these fountains decreased in size, ranging from 13 to 30 feet in height.
This eruption follows a familiar pattern seen in recent years, particularly resembling those that have occurred since 2020. The volcano’s alert status has been raised to warning, with the aviation color code upgraded to red to caution nearby air traffic. Although the eruption is contained, it serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of Kilauea, which devastated over 700 homes during its 2018 eruption.
Source : https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2023-06-07/kilauea-one-of-the-worlds-most-active-volcanoes-begins-erupting-after-3-month-pause