Kilauea, Hawaii’s most active volcano, erupted for the second time in three months on Sunday afternoon, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The eruption, which occurred at 3:15 p.m., sent fountains of lava soaring nearly 500 feet into the air. However, the observatory assured residents that there was no immediate danger.
David Phillips, the deputy scientist-in-charge at the observatory, reported that the eruption was preceded by an increase in alert levels. The observatory had raised the alert levels for Kilauea from a watch to a warning less than an hour before the eruption began. Livestreamed footage depicted fissures at the base of the volcano’s main crater, Halemaʻumaʻu, generating lava flows on its surface floor.
The observatory had been closely monitoring Kilauea since August due to frequent earthquakes, ground swelling, and upward movement of magma over the past 24 hours. These signs indicated the possibility of an imminent eruption. However, Mr. Phillips emphasized that the volcano’s location in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ensured a safe distance from local residents. He stated, “There is no immediate threat to human life or property.”
While residents were out of immediate harm’s way, there was a potential health risk due to volcanic smog. Volcanic smog, composed of sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases, can pose a threat to individuals with respiratory issues. It can travel significant distances through wind and persist for the duration of an eruption.
The duration of the eruption remains uncertain. Mr. Phillips explained that eruptions can range from a few weeks to several decades. However, he predicted that this eruption would not be as severe as the 2018 event, which was accompanied by tens of thousands of earthquakes and destroyed over 700 homes, according to the National Park Service.
Kilauea, Hawaii’s youngest volcano, formed underwater approximately 280,000 years ago. It erupted consistently from 1983 to 2018 and resumed its activity in 2020. A recent eruption lasted from September 2021 to December 2022, while the June eruption lasted about 12 days.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will continue to monitor Kilauea closely to provide updates and ensure the safety of residents in the surrounding areas.