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An eruption has begun in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano shortly before 05:00 UTC on May 4, 2018. Lava was confirmed at the surface in the eastern end of the subdivision. Hawaii County Civil Defense is on scene and coordinating needed response including the evacuation of up to 10 000 residents of the Leilani subdivision.
Warning sirens sounded across the Big Island a couple of hours ago as Hawaii County Civil Defense urged residents of Leilani Estates to flee the approaching lava streams.
Lava fountains were shooting 46 m (150 feet) in the air, and molten lava spread out over an area about 183 m (600 feet) wide behind one house in Leilani Estates, residents reported.
The county has ordered evacuations for all of Leilani Estates, some 1 700 people. Nearby community centers have opened for shelter.
Eruption begins on Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on May 3, 2018. Image credit: USGS/HVO
Eruption begins on Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on May 3, 2018. Image credit: USGS/HVO
Eruption begins on Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on May 3, 2018. Image credit: USGS/HVO
Eruption begins on Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on May 3, 2018. Image credit: USGS/HVO
The eruption began several hours after ground shaking from a preliminary magnitude-5.0 earthquake (22:30 UTC) south of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō which caused rockfalls and additional collapse into the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater on Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone.
A robust but short-lived, reddish-brown plume of ash produced by this event lofted skyward and is continuing to dissipate as it drifts southwest from Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. Anyone downwind may experience a dusting of ash, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) said.
Short-lived plume of ash produced by M5.0 earthquake south of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, Kilauea volcano on May 4, 2018. Credit: Kevan Kamibayashi/USGS
Residents of the lower Puna District should remain alert, review individual, family, and business emergency plans, and watch for further information about the status of the volcano, HVO said.
Hawaii County Civil Defense messages may be found at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/.
New ground cracks were reported in Leilani Estates over the past couple of hours, HVO reported 05:35 UTC. White, hot vapor and blue fume emanated from an area of cracking in the eastern part of the subdivision and spatter began erupting shortly before 05:00 UTC.
Areas downslope of the erupting vent are at risk of lava inundation. At this time, the general area of the Leilani subdivision appears at greatest risk.
The opening phases of fissure eruptions are dynamic, HVO said, adding that additional vents and new lava outbreaks may occur and at this time it is not possible to say where new vents may occur.
HVO and the County of Hawaii are on the ground and conducting overflights to further identify characterize activity and identify the direction of flowing lava.
At 06:50 UTC, Civil Defence issued the following message:
Lava Eruption From Mohala Street In Leilani Estates Subdivision, Thursday, May 3 At 6:50 PM
This is a Civil Defense update for Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 6:50 PM.
Department of Public Works reports steam and lava emissions from a crack in Leilani Subdivision in the area of Mohala Street.
Due to the eruption, the following are issued:
- An emergency proclamation is now in effect and at the following link: http://hawaiicountymayor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Emergency-Lava-proclamation-May-3-2018.pdf
- All residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions are required to evacuate.
- The Pahoa Regional Community Center near the new Pahoa Regional Park is open for shelter.
- Keaau Community Center is to be opened for additional shelter needs.
- Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.
- The intersection at Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road is now closed to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.
- Puna Geothermal Venture is executing their emergency plan and starting to shut down operations at this time.
- Avoid travel to the evacuation area for everyone’s safety.
Hawaii County Civil Defense, Police, Fire and partners continue to assist evacuation efforts and monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.
Thank you. This is your Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency.
Featured image: Eruption begins on Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on May 3, 2018. Image credit: Jeremiah Osuna
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