Reuters video footage shows Mauna Loa volcano eruption in Hawaii
In Hawaii, Mauna Loa, the worlds largest active volcano, has erupted. Reuters released footage that shows the lava traveling quickly.
On Sunday night, an advisory that activity had elevated on Hawaii’s Mauna Loa was upgraded to a warning that a dangerous eruption was underway. The eruption, which began on Sunday at around 11:30 p.m. local time, ends the longest period of stillness on the world’s biggest volcano, as it had not erupted since 1984.
Mauna Loa is the world’s largest active volcano, standing at 13,679 feet above the Pacific Ocean and is part of the chain of volcanoes that make up the island of Hawaii. When it erupted in 1984, the lava traveled within five miles of the island’s largest city, Hilo and traveled a total of 15 miles in just three hours.
Are Hawaiin residents at risk after the Mauna Loa eruption?
Reuters footage shows the night sky glowing red as the lava from the volcano pours out from the summit. Fortunately for now at least, the US Geographical Service has said that the lava should not be a threat to Hawaiin residents living downhill from it, as it’s currently contained within the summit. However, residents are being advised to stay indoors as gases and fine ash from the eruption have filled the air.
For now, the Emergency Management Agency in Hawaii has opened two shelters just as a precaution, but they emphasize that the lava is showing no signs that it should be a threat to the populated areas on the island. No evacuation orders have been issued.
Follow along with the latest updates from the Mauna Loa eruption.