Hawaii volcano WARNING: Dangerous air quality causes LIFE THREATENING conditions
HAWAII’s Mount Kilauea continues to wreak havoc on the Big Island as dangerous fumes emitted by the volcano fill the air, threatening the health of local residents.
By THOMAS MACKIE
Express.co.uk
Sun, Jun 24, 2018
Gasses emitted by the volcano – known as vog – have been blowing downwind from the summit of Mount Kilauea into residential areas and taking a heavy toll on local air quality conditions.
Opihikao residents Rodger and Ramona Taylor say they have watched hazardous fumes fill the air and change the landscape of the Big Island since the first eruption on May 3.
Ramona Taylor said: “It went from green jungle can’t see anything but me in our little area, to all of a sudden there are neighbours everywhere.
“It’s brown and trees look like a hurricane had hit — just brown leaves everywhere.”
Most of Mrs Taylor’s neighbours have relocated since the eruptions began.
Rodger Taylor said: “There are times when it’s heavier – especially in the middle of the night.
“The wind will quit blowing and it will settle down into the lower area and you can actually see a flashlight beam in the smoke and so at that time it can be hard to breathe.”
However, Mr and Mrs Taylor do not plan on leaving Opihikao as long as Highway 130 remains open, ensuring they have road access to their home.
Residents in this area of the Big Island reevaluate the air quality threat each day.
As one slight changes in wind speed and direction could have significant impacts on where the vog and laze drift.
The Hawaii Department of Health continues to provide frequent updates on hazards posed by the continuing eruption, as well as information on local air quality conditions.
The Rest…HERE
