BREAKING: Hawaii civil defence issues WARNING as Kilauea Volcano releases POISONOUS gas
HAWAII’S civil defence in Lower Puna issued a statement as Kilauea Volcano is producing dangerous levels of Sulfur Dioxide gas, leaving people who are close to the vents and lava flow at high risk.
By THOMAS MACKIE
Express.co.uk
Tue, May 15, 2018
The Hawaii State Department of Health has reported that the current eruption activity is producing dangerous Sulfur Dioxide.
This is hazardous, especially for the elderly, young children and babies.
People who are downwind or close to the vents and lava flows are at high risk.
The Civil Defence said: “Be aware of the unpredictable nature of dangerous levels of SO2 gas because it can be carried far from the fissures with wind speed and direction.”
The Hawaii volcano, Mount Kilauea, continues to spew molten lava across Big Island, as two new fissures opened up on Sunday.
The latest fissure, the 18th to hit the island since the volcano erupted on May 3, emerged near Halekamahina Loop Road and splattered lava dozens of feet into the air.
Officials issued a statement on Sunday, saying: “Residents of Halekamahina Road are ordered to evacuate and be on the alert for gas emissions and lava spatter.”
The Hawaii Department of Health warned against people buying cheap face masks to protect themselves from the fumes.
A spokesman said: “No mask sold in stores provides protection from the extremely dangerous volcanic gases that are being released from the current volcanic eruption.”
Scientists remain on high alert for a major steam explosion which could hurl boulders miles from Kilauea’s summit and create a 20,000ft ash cloud.
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