Kīlauea Volcano destroys dozens of homes on Hawaii’s Big Island as lava flows continue
Following hundreds of small earthquakes last week, Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano erupted on Thursday, May 3.
The eruptions and subsequent release of hazardous sulfur dioxide gas has forced mandatory evacuations from the nearby Leilani Estates community on the Big Island.
Numerous fissures have cracked open, in some cases allowing lava fountains to spew as high as 300 feet in the air. About 35 structures have been destroyed by the lava, 26 of which are homes.
Latest updates from Monday (HST)
While earthquake activity remains elevated on the southwest portion of the Big Island, the USGS pointed out that it has decreased over the past few days. The vast majority of the earthquakes are between magnitude-2.5 to -3.5.
Throughout the course of the day, officials have noted that cracks on Highway 130 expanded to a width of 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) as additional cracks formed farther down the road.
The Hawaii Country Civil Defense Agency has confirmed that two new fissures have developed near the KÄ«lauea Volcano. This brings the total number of fissures up to 12. The agency also said later on Monday that volcanic activity had subsided at all 12 fissures.
Both of these new fissures are emitting lava and gas and may endanger even more structures in the coming days. Currently, the number of structures that have been destroyed stands at 35.
The civil defense agency reminds everyone that this event is not a tourist attraction, and that "you can help tremendously by staying out of the area."
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Officials confirmed on Monday morning local time that the number of structures destroyed has reached 35.
"The East Rift Zone eruption in Leilani Subdivision continues," officials with the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, said. "Hawaiian Volcano observatory confirms that active venting of lava and hazardous fumes continue in Leilani Estates Subdivision. Since the onset of this eruption, a total of 10 fissures have emerged, and 35 structures have been destroyed."
"Aftershocks from Friday's magnitude-6.9 earthquake continue and more should be expected, with larger aftershocks potentially producing rockfalls and associated ash clouds above PuÊ»u Ê»ÅʻŠand HalemaÊ»umaÊ»u crater," scientists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. "Seismicity at KÄ«lauea's summit remains elevated."
Field crews remain onsite as they examine the fissure vents, lava flows, and search for any signs of new activity.
Late Monday morning, officials said that lava flow had stopped for now and that evacuees from Leilani Estates were allowed to return to their home to retrieve items. People from Lanipuna Gardens are not yet allowed to return to their homes due to dangerous volcanic gasses.
Evacuees will be able to return to their property between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day until further notice. However, they should be prepared to leave with little notice if volcanic activity increases.
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The number of homes destroyed by KÄ«lauea Volcano on the eastern side of Hawaii's Big Island increased to 26 late on Sunday.
Since first erupting last Thursday, the area around the volcano has been subject to frequent earthquakes, dangerous air quality, lava flows and the formation of additional fissure vents (cracks in the ground).
The number of fissure vents had risen to 10 late Sunday afternoon.
Evacuation orders remain in place for nearby communities, including in the Leilani Estates subdivision.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which had closed on Saturday and Saturday night, partially reopened at 3 p.m. HST Sunday.
According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and U.S. Geological Survey, "as the eruption progresses, other areas of the lower East Rift Zone may also be at risk."
Some lava fountains in the Leilani Estates area reached 300 feet in the air on May 5.
Latest updates on Sunday morning--number of homes destroyed rises to nine
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency confirms that nine homes have been destroyed.
However, lava flows are reportedly "sluggish and not moving very quickly or far," according to the USGS.
Officials are allowing residents from the Leilani Estates, who live between Highway 130 and Maile Street, to enter the subdivision on Sunday to gather pets and other belongings left behind.
"Evacuation access may be postponed if conditions become hazardous," the agency stated.
This image from the County of Hawaii Civil Defense overlays where the eruptive fissures have occurred in the residential areas surrounding the volcano, as of Sunday morning.
Conditions have been deemed too dangerous for residents to enter Lanipuna Gardens.
Residents are also being warned of the dangers of exposure to gasses from burning structures and asphalt.
Two more fissures opened on Saturday night
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirmed the formation of two more fissures in the vicinity of the volcano. That brings the number of fissures to nine as of Sunday morning, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
"Active venting of lava and hazardous fumes continues between Mohala and Pomaika’i Street," the agency stated.
Dozens of earthquakes have followed the volcano's eruption
Frequent earthquakes have been rattling the island, with most below magnitude 3.0.
Early Sunday morning, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake occurred offshore of the Big Island. No tsunami was triggered.
The USGS reports that there have been about 152 earthquakes with magnitudes between 2 and 3 from Friday to Saturday.
On Friday, a 6.9-magnitude quake struck the island, resulting in minor damage and heightening eruption concerns.
The Volcano Observatory warns that "residents of the Puna District should remain alert, review individual, family and business emergency plans, and watch for further information about the status of the volcano."
Everyone on the Big Island is urged to review earthquake preparedness and survival tips as well.
Dangerous conditions prompt evacuations
About 1,700 residents live in the Leilani Estates, where evacuation orders remain.
Sulfur dioxide levels remain high in the area surrounding the lava flows and fissures, posing a threat to those nearby.
It is especially important that the elderly, young and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions keep their distance from this volatile area.
Leilani Estates resident Sam Knox watches the lava stretch across the road, Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Pahoa, Hawaii. Knox's home is less than a few hundred yards from the lava flow and he does not have any plans to evacuate. Knox is hopeful the lava will not take his home. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
“Please understand the unpredictability of these hazards,” the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawai‘i County Civil Defense stated. “The American Red Cross and the Department of Parks and Recreation have opened shelters at the Pahoa Community Center and the Kea’au Community Center for your use.”
The civil defense also issued an emergency water restriction for Department of Water Supply customers of Leilani Estates Subdivision, among others.
Public water stations have been set up in Lava Tree State Park and in Vacationland for public use.
This story is ongoing. For older reports from the aftermath of the volcano erupting, please see this news story.
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