Red alert in Hawaii due to eruption of Kilauea volcano
The US Geological Survey activated the alert for civil aviation. In 2018, a strong eruption forced the evacuation of the population and flattened homes.
The United States Geological Institute has activated the red alert for civil aviation following the eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, considered one of the most active on the planet. The eruption began at 4:45 a.m. local time or 10:45 a.m. ET.
“The summit eruption of Kīlauea that began within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at 4:44 a.m. HST today, June 7, 2023, continues at this time. All activity is confined to Kīlauea summit region, within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. There are no indications of activity migrating out of the summit region,” said the USGS.
As reported by the agency, emissions of sulfur dioxide as a result of the volcano eruption reached 65,000 tons, a figure similar to the beginning of eruptions in 2020 and 2021. Activity is maintained within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, after a fissure remains active in the southwest wall of the caldera, which generates lava flows on the surface of the crater floor.
WATCH NOW: Livestream of the eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii
The USGS assured that the earthquake activity “decreased considerably after the beginning of the eruption and was replaced by a continuous eruptive tremor.” The red alert will be maintained in the area while they continue with the evaluation of the danger associated with the eruptive process of the crater.
The levels of the gases emitted by the volcano are the main concern of the authorities. In addition to sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide levels are also evaluated. Other hazards mentioned by the USGS include light volcanic glass fragments that may arise from lava. “Residents should minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation,” they warned.
Kilauea expels Pele’s hair
Among the particles expelled by the volcano is Pele’s hair, a glass formation produced from cooled lava stretched into thin strands, usually from strong lava flows. It is named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. These formations are basaltic glass strands formed in lava fountains during the eruption processes. These threads can be very harmful, as they can come in contact with drinking water.
The last powerful eruption of this volcano took place in 2018, when a strong eruption of the crater forced the Hawaiian authorities to evacuate the area. It also razed more than 800 homes.