The volcanic activity on Hawaii’s Big Island erupted early in the morning on Wednesday, as shown on the USGS webcam with a distinct orange and red spewing forth from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. As the day went on, the lava lakes, geysers and clouds of volcanic smoke kept the activity alive in the USGS live camera.
Close to 5 a.m. HST, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (Hawaii EMA) confirmed the eruption, immediately sending the alert level up to red warning from orange watch. In the nation’s Hawaii Volcano National Park is the historically active Kilauea volcano and its latest eruption only days after its brisk January 5th and March 7th activity, according to USGS.
The 2018 eruption affected the Kilauea cone tragically, with the displacement of more than 400 residents in the Vacationland Hawaii subdivision due to the rapid spread of lava on June 4 and 5, reported the Star Advertiser. There were multiple homes destroyed which made this eruption the largest in centuries as per the National Park Service.
The power of nature is a formidable force to be reckoned with and this event is a reminder of that power. It is essential to be prepared and informed of any warnings by the USGS and Hawaii EMA and heed any advice given, not risking life and property by going in the vicinity of the volcano. It is also important to be mindful of the risks associated with volcanic eruptions and appropriately action plans into place to protect oneself and family.