Hawaii volcano eruption: Lava shoots 160ft – Kilauea on RED ALERT with VOG to spread
A NEW volcanic eruption around Mount Kilauea has rocked Hawaii, shooting lava and debris 160 feet into the air and spreading potentially lethal gases to large parts of the island.
By PAUL WITHERS
Express.co.uk
Tue, Jun 12, 2018
The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed a line of closely spaced vents at Fissure 8 are erupting to produce fountains of lava that are being spewed high into the sky.
This is continuing to feed fast-moving lava flow that is entering the Pacific Ocean at Kapoho in the Puna district near the eastern tip of the island, destroying everything in its path.
Potentially lethal ash and volcanic gases from the erupting fissure are falling downwind and settling on the ground within the Leilani Estates, with the USGS warning that high winds could blow lighter particles further afield.
Gas emissions remain “very high” from the various eruptions and have increased over the past two weeks, with winds expected to bring vog – a smog containing volcanic gases and debris – to the south and west sides of Hawaii.
Vog contains sulphur dioxide that irritates the skin on contact and can inflame the tissues in the eyes, nose and throat.
According to the USGS, it can also cause breathing problems and can “at elevated levels, induce symptoms of asthma”.
The USGS said: “Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews are on site tracking the fountains, lava flows, and spattering from Fissure 8 as conditions allow and are reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defence.
“Observations are also collected on a daily basis from cracks in the area of Highway 130; no changes in temperature, crack width, or gas emissions have been noted for several days.
“Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. Gas emissions have increased over the past two weeks. Trade wind conditions are expected to bring vog to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii.
There also continues to be lava splatterings at Fissures 16 and 18, with aerial footage showing a strong steam plume on the south end of the ocean entry, with frequent steam explosions further on.
The USGS has continued to warn island residents that they are in danger of being exposed to flying debris from the “sudden explosive interaction between lava and water”.
It also warned that further ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible, advising nearby residents to heed all messages and warnings from the Hawaii County Civil Defence.
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