Time: started May 3rd, 2018
Place: Lower Puna area, Hawaii Island (also known as Big Island)
Kilauea volcano on the Big Island began a fresh eruption along the volcano’s lower East Rift Zone, across several remote, rural neighborhoods including Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens. The eruption in and around lower Puna area has now covered more than 116 acres with lava and destroyed at least 27 homes and forced 1,800 people to evacuate. The county reported around 257 people staying at shelter at the Pahoa and Keaau Community Center set up by American Red Cross.
There is no report of injure or death among the victims. However, as more fissures open (now up to 20 fissures in total), toxic gas and sulfur dioxide exposure are on the increase in above disaster area.
Scientists warn that Kilauea volcano is on the verge of a new explosion that could send ash, steam and sulfur dioxide spewing from the summit crater and toss six-foot wide boulders as far as a half-mile away in all directions. According to the Scientists of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory of the U.S. Geological Survey, it is uncertain when the new eruption would occur, how long it would last or how violent it would be.
Due to the unpredictable nature of Kilauea volcano’s activities and the risks it entails, it is suggested that tourists and visitors refrain from going to Hawaii Island at this time. The Emergency contact number for TECO in Honolulu is +1-808-351-8818.
