Hawaii volcano eruption: Locals ‘LAST CHANCE’ to evacuate as EARTHQUAKE hits Big Island
HAWAII was hit by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake close to Kilauea’s summit overnight, as authorities issued renewed pleas to evacuate as lava flows continue to devastate nearby communities
By JAMIE MACWHIRTER
Express.co.uk
Thu, May 31, 2018
The Hawaii volcano Mount Kilauea continues to cause panic and devastation with its intense volcanic activity.
Hawaii was hit by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake close to Kilauea’s summit overnight, as fissures spewed molten lava towards two new subdivisions.
The developments forced authorities to increase the evacuation area on Hawaii’s Big Island as police went from door to door pleading with residents still in their houses to leave before lava flows cut them off from escape routes.
Residents in Kapoho, Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland have been advised to evacuate by Hawaii County Civil Defence Agency.
It warned that Beach Road east of Highway 137 was at risk of “possible lava inundation” that could trap residents in the area.
Emergency responders estimated that the lava had covered half a mile in just 80 minutes.
County Mayor Harry Kim issued a stark warning to residents refusing to leave their homes.
He said:
“Those who decline to evacuate are on their own.
“Our first responders would cease going door-to-door in dangerous areas once final evacuation orders are issued.
“First responders put themselves in danger trying to help people who had refused to evacuate.”
The new evacuation orders came as Kilauea entered its fourth week of eruptions at its summit crater and along a six-mile string of fissures.
More than 2,500 people have already been forced to flee their homes .
Authorities said lava had already destroyed 75 homes on the Big Island, including 20 in the last two days.
Shelters have been set up at community centres and churches in the area.
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