Kilauea Volcano Erupts Once More on Hawaii's Big Island
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Los Angeles, Dec 24 (NationPress) Kilauea, known for being one of the globe's most active volcanoes, has resumed its eruption on Hawaii's Big Island, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
The volcano experienced heightened earthquake activity beneath its summit starting around 2:00 a.m. local time on Monday. By 2:30 a.m., the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected eruptive activity through Kilauea summit webcam images, confirming that an eruption has begun within Halemaumau crater and the summit caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as per the agency's news release.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has elevated Kilauea's volcano alert level from advisory to warning and updated its aviation color code from yellow to red as the eruption and related hazards are assessed.
The initial stages of eruptions are dynamic, the agency noted, indicating that the activity is limited to the summit caldera, with hazards being reassessed as the eruption continues.
The USGS highlighted that elevated levels of volcanic gas—mainly water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—pose significant hazards, as these can have extensive effects downwind.
This marks the second eruption of the volcano this year, with the last occurrence reported in September, according to Xinhua news agency.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced on Facebook, "The new eruption at Kilauea's summit is attracting thousands of visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, eager to witness the new lava flow during the day and the glowing lava at night."
"The current eruption can be seen from nearly all open areas around the caldera," the park added, noting that it remains operational 24 hours a day.
The park also cautioned visitors, stating, "While witnessing an eruption is an exhilarating experience, remember you are observing a sacred event," and reminded the public to remain vigilant, as "volcanic eruptions can be dangerous and may change at any moment."
