Hawaii volcano eruption sparks 46 earthquakes within hours as lava spews into villages
HAWAII has been hit by dozens of earthquakes triggered by the Kilauea volcano which continues to pose a threat to residents.
By SIMON OSBORNE
Express.co.uk
Wed, May 30, 2018
Scientists from the US Geological Survey had recorded at least 46 tremors as officials on the island issued mandatory evacuation notices to householders.
The most powerful earthquake was magnitude 3.3 and struck 2.5 miles from the erupting volcano.
There region has been rocked by hundreds of tremors linked to Kilauea in recent weeks including a record 270 last Saturday
The volcano-related earthquakes have caused cracks to open up across the Big Island’s southeastern region.
Residents in the nearby Leilani area are being ordered to leave their homes immediately as the lava spreads down Highway 132.
Shelters have been set up at community centres and churches in the area.
A Civil Defence spokesman said: “Residents on Noni Farms Road and Hale Kamahina road need to evacuate immediately due to a fast moving lava flow.
“Shelters are open at the Pahoa Community Center, Kea’au Community Center and the Sure Foundation Church.”
A second update at 1.30am local time (12.30pm BST) extended the evacuation notice to the Kapoho area including Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland.
The evacuation orders came as Kilauea entered its fourth week of simultaneous eruptions at its summit crater and along a six-mile string of fissures 25 miles down its easterm side.
Lava flows from multiple fissures have blocked roads and damaged dozens of buildings.
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