Hawaii volcano eruption update: Lava STILL advancing to create 700 ACRE land mass
HAWAII’S Kilauea volcano has been erupting explosively for almost three months, causing widespread devastation across Big Island.
By GEORGINA LAUD
Express.co.uk
Wed, Aug 1, 2018
Kilauea continues to spew lava across the Hawaiian island’s landscape, nearly three months on from its initial eruption.
Lava has also triggered dangerous brushfires, close to the explosive fissure 8.
Several houses have been reportedly consumed by flames in the bushfires, as firefighters have “no way” to properly tackle the blaze according to one resident.
A statement from the County of Hawaii told of how the Hawaii Fire Department are monitoring the fires close to Noni Farms Road on the south side of the lava flow.
Lava has shown no sign of slowing down, as fissure 8 spews lava into the air continuously.
United States Geological Survey: “Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the channel leading northeastward from the vent.”
Lava has been growing closer to the popular beauty spot of Pohoiki in recent weeks, and according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the lava is currently pooling approximately 175 metres from the boat ramp in Isaac Hale Park.
The channel of lava from fissure 8 has travelled across the island, before pooling near the coast and spilling into the ocean.
When molten lava meets the cool ocean, it hardens and becomes a rock-like material.
This material has built up along the coastline and created more than 700 acres of land.
For those wishing to see this phenomenon pictures taken from a helicopter are the safest bet, as the ocean entry is highly unstable.
In July, a tourist boat observing the ocean entry was struck by a lava bomb, injuring 23 people.
Another danger from lava entering the ocean is laze, a deadly cloud of hydrochloric acid, glass and steam.
This can cause damage to skin, eyes and lungs of anyone who comes into contact with the toxic plume.
Earthquakes also continue to strike Big Island, as the shifting magma inside the volcano causes friction.
As the lava drains from the volcano, out through fissures, the summit of the volcano has been shifting triggering earthquakes.
The landscape on Big Island has been changed forever by the catastrophic eruption, and many residents remain displaced.
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