Increased seismic activity on the Big Island

[Midoria]

Volcanoes National Park has been closed with evacuations for everyone except emergency personnel for safety rasons That includes guest at Volcano House and Kiluaea Military Camp.

Yes, that information was posted above by buffetgirl as it happened yesterday evening. I think this could be a great thread to keep everyone updated, but to be more accurate, we should probably check to see what’s posted already to avoid repetition.

 

[hopemax]

We have been following the events on the Big Island closely as we greatly enjoyed our vacation there just a little over 2 years ago. I saw a comment on Facebook,

"Could you imagine being in the middle of the Kilauea Iki trail when the 6.9 earthquake hit?" That was one of the things we had done, and greatly enjoyed, but that would have been a terrifying experience, I think.

We didn't have time to make it down to Puna, but the impression given was the people that live there are made of different stuff and that they are a tight and resilient group. But this activity certainly has the opportunity to change what life looks like down there.

 

[Midoria]

We didn't have time to make it down to Puna, but the impression given was the people that live there are made of different stuff and that they are a tight and resilient group. But this activity certainly has the opportunity to change what life looks like down there.

Some people call them “Punatics”.

 

[buffettgirl]

I take everyone down that way to the little settlement where the old black sand beach was. It's a trip because the people are so nice , but they can be totally different and living their own way. Very authentic. And it's nice to see. Apparently they have a great wednesday night party which I have to assume is heavy on the pot and booze, but alas, I've never gotten there. We had a very lovely invite from the glassmakers.. who make lovely looking bongs.

For anyone that goes in the future, provide the main roads arenʻt damaged, that area down from rt130 in pāhoa takes you down to the kalapana area, then if you loop around 137 on the ocean, back to 132 you wind up in the lava tree monument which is gorgeous. Thatʻs right outside lelaini estates. Hopefully the whole area doesnʻt start splitting.

Apparently, a big chunk of cliff near the sea arch has fallen into the water again as well.

 

[buffettgirl]

130 has cracks now too.

 

[kdonnel]

It amazed me how quickly the people who lived in Kalapana rebuilt. They rebuilt their houses on top of lava flows that were only a few years old at best, to have an attachment to the land that strong is amazing, touching, and a little bizarre.

Can you even get a mortgage for a home built in zone 1 or 2? I doubt you can get any sort of home owners or renters insurance that would cover volcano damage.
edited: http://www.koarealty.com/buying-property/lava-zones/ It looks like you can get some insurance and there is a chance for some financing.

The events of this weekend really make me realize just how dangerous it was when my family and I hiked out to the lava with the help of http://www.kalapanaculturaltours.com/. I remember straddling a crack in the rock, seeing it glowing red just a couple of inches down into the crack, the lava was flowing just a foot beneath my feet. At the time only my daughter was smart enough to be scarred and to realize we really should not have been there.

I hope there is no loss of life and that there is only minimal loss of property. I see that the authorities have started allowing the residents to return to their homes as long as they do not have their children with them. I am guessing they are giving them a chance to retrieve more of their possessions and it is not a sign that the recent activity is already abating?

 

[kdonnel]

I can't believe they actually list spending your nights viewing the glow of active lava on the hillside nearby as a positive selling point.

 

[NancyDVC]

I sent an email to the folks who gave us our tours on the Big Island. They replied and said that they are safe but the air is not good where they are in Hilo. They were out with full tours (they use mini vans) on Friday when the 6.9 earthquake hit. They were among the last folks into VNP when it was closed.
Continuing to send prayers for everyone especially those who were evacuated and living with the uncertainty of whether their homes are intact and when and if they can return.
For those who may be interested I signed up for alerts from the USGS here:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
You can choose which volcano alerts to get (Hawaii, Alaska etc) and how often to get them-daily, weekly, or monthly.
Okay you can laugh. Yes I am the person who becomes addicted to the Weather Channel when there is a hurricane, blizzard or other significant weather ‘event’. But this is almost the only way I can get up to date information here on the East Coast. The news had been giving us more information since the NPS closed VNP.
All those on the Big Island stay safe.

 

[Midoria]

I doubt you can get any sort of home owners or renters insurance that would cover volcano damage.

I googled it and State Farm covers volcano activity.

View attachment 321026

I can't believe they actually list spending your nights viewing the glow of active lava on the hillside nearby as a positive selling point.

Oceanview, though! Lol

 

[NancyDVC]

So if i can get insurance that includes ‘volcano activity’ would it be like getting ‘flood insurance’ in a coastal area?
I am not sure that I consider being able to view ‘the glow of active lava’ a selling point for me.
So does the ocean view make up for the possiblity of the lava heading toward the property? LOL

 

[NancyDVC]

Okay for all my fellow ‘geeks’ out there (I am addicted to the Weather Channel especially during hurricanes, blizzards and the like and now I am addicted to the USGS Volcano pages) here is the latest (as of 8:59 PM May 6) status report from the USGS’ Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. It includes links to their webcam pages, maps and other information. And if you are really crazy like I am you can sign up for these alerts for this observatory as well as the other 5 volcano observatories run by the USGS!
Okay I admit to being a bit weird but I find this interesting especially since visiting VNP 18 months ago. And the USGS pages have lots of information. I lke to know about the science and what is happening. There was an earlier update around 12:00 noon HST yesterday so they are probably doing updates twice a day. (And CBS’ program “CBS This Morning” finally had more than a 10 second mention about the eruption and what is going on. And Lonnie Quinn Chief Meteorologist for CBS 2 NY gave some good information about the science behind what is happening. )


HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Sunday, May 6, 2018, 8:59 PM HST (Monday, May 7, 2018, 06:59 UTC)


KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Lower East Rift Zone Eruption
The intermittent eruption of lava in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano continues. Fissure 8 erupted lava fountains until about 4 p.m. HST, and the ‘a‘ā flow advanced slowly northward through the afternoon, even after the lava fountains shut down. Geologists reported this early evening that the flow crossed Ho‘okopu Road, a distance from fissure 8 of about about 1.1 km (0.6 miles). They also reported new ground cracks in the vicinity of fissures 8 and 9 that were emitting thick steam and gases, but no lava spattering was observed by the time of this status report.

Rates of seismicity and deformation decreased in the past day. The absence of additional deformation in the past day suggests a pause in magma acculumation in the distal part of the intrusion.

Residents should remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages (http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts).

For maps showing the locations of eruption features, please see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

For information on volcanic air pollution, please see: http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/

HVO geologists will be in the area overnight to track and report to Hawaii County Civil Defense on the activity, and other scientists are closely tracking the volcano's overall activity using various monitoring data streams.

Kīlauea Volcano Summit
Tiltmeters at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano continue to record the deflationary trend of the past several days. Corresponding to this deflationary trend, the summit lava lake level in Overlook crater dropped about 2 m (6.5 ft) per hour during the day. The lake level has dropped an estimated 220 m (722 ft) since the collapse of Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater on April 30. Rockfalls from the steep crater walls into the retreating lake continue to produce ashy plumes above Halema‘uma‘u crater. Rockfalls and ashy plumes are expected to continue as the lake level drops.

Earthquake activity in the summit remains at elevated levels. In the past 24 hours, about 31 magnitude-2 earthquakes occurred at depths less than 5 km (3 miles) beneath the summit area (compared to the 24-hour period when 152 magnitude-2 and magnitude-3 earthquakes. These earthquakes are related to the ongoing subsidence of the summit area and earthquakes beneath the south flank of the volcano.

HVO Contact: askHVO@usgs.gov

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

HVO Contact: askHVO@usgs.gov

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
You have received this email because you have subscribed to the USGS VNS.
To change your parameters, or unsubscribe from the service, go to https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/


Sent to: Puppyylr@aol.com

 

[pjacobi]

Volcano National park has partially re-opened. Volcano House remains closed.

Note that the closure was due to earthquakes, not lava, gas, or flying debris.


-Paul

 

[NancyDVC]

Thanks Paul
And for all ‘my geeky friends here is the latest status report from USGS HVO:

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Monday, May 7, 2018, 7:45 AM HST (Monday, May 7, 2018, 17:45 UTC)


KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Summary: Eruption of lava and gas continues at a low level along Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone within the Leilani Estates subdivision. Overnight, active emission of lava and spatter at multiple fissures was minimal. This is likely only a pause in activity; additional outbreaks or a resumption of activity are anticipated as seismicity continues in the area. Deflationary tilt at the summit of the volcano continues and the lava lake level continues to drop. There is no active lava in the Puʻu ʻŌʻō area. Aftershocks from Friday's magnitude-6.9 earthquake continue and more should be expected, with larger aftershocks potentially producing rockfalls and associated ash clouds above Puʻu ʻŌʻō and Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Seismicity at Kīlauea's summit remains elevated.

USGS/HVO continues to monitor the situation 24/7. Field crews are onsite this morning examining the fissure vents, lava flow of yesterday, and searching for any signs of new activity.

Lower East Rift Zone Observations

Lava emission from fissures was minimal overnight. Strong degassing continues from several fissures. Yesterday, a lava flow advanced northward from fissure 8 about 0.9 km (0.6 miles) by 10 a.m., HST before stopping.

In the past 12 hours, deformation of the ground in the area has slowed. Ground cracks are reported crossing Highway 130 west of the eruption site.

Overall seismicity in the area has not changed significantly overnight. Earthquakes continue and seismic stations nearest the fissures record seismicity likely related to ongoing vigorous degassing.

Summit Observations: Tiltmeters at the summit continue to record a deflationary trend of the past week and the summit lava lake level continues to drop. Elevated summit sulfur dioxide emission rates persist. Current webcam views are here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Elevated earthquake activity in the summit area is continuing following Friday's magnitude-6.9 earthquake and as the summit area continues deflating and rockfalls continue within the Overlook vent.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: A tiltmeter on the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone continues to record the deflationary pattern that followed collapse of the crater floor on April 30. Rockfalls from the steep crater walls will likely continue to collapse intermittently, producing small ashy plumes. The 61g lava flow is no longer active.

Hazard Analysis: Continued eruptive activity (fluctuating and intermittent) in the lower East Rift Zone is likely. New outbreaks or resumption of lava production at existing vents can occur at any time.

Areas downslope of erupting fissures are at risk of lava inundation. The general area of Leilani Estates remains at the greatest risk. However, as the eruption progresses, other areas of the lower East Rift Zone may also be at risk.

High levels of volcanic gas including sulphur dioxide are being emitted from the fissure vents. In addition, smoke from burning houses and burning asphalt is a health concern and should be avoided.

As the lava lake level inside Halemaʻumaʻu drops, rockfalls from the enclosing walls may increase in frequency prompting explosions of spatter from the lake onto the nearby crater rim and lofting plumes of ash. Dustings of ash from these events can occur downwind.

Additional aftershocks from the magnitude-6.9 earthquake are expected and some may be strong. Residents are advised to review earthquake preparedness by consulting available resources such as: https://www.shakeout.org/hawaii/dropcoverholdon/

Residents of the Puna District should remain alert, review individual, family, and business emergency plans, and watch for further information about the status of the volcano.

Hawaii County Civil Defense messages regarding conditions, warning, and evacuations may be found at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/.

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

HVO Contact: askHVO@usgs.gov

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.

 

[pjacobi]

Volcano House to fully re-open Tuesday 5/8.


-Paul

 

[jodybird511]

Volcano House to fully re-open Tuesday 5/8.


-Paul

Thanks, Paul! We have a dinner reservation at the Rim on 5/29 and are so hoping we might be able to keep it. We had rented a house in Leilani Estates. Obviously, that is not happening now, and we are staying in Kona, but hopeful we can still drive down to VNP for a day.

 

[NancyDVC]

Thanks, Paul
Here is the latest update from the USGS HVO, Monday, May 7 5:59 PM HST:



HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Monday, May 7, 2018, 5:59 PM HST (Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 03:59 UTC)


KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Lower East Rift Zone Eruption
The intermittent eruption of lava in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano continues. The location of activity today was focused on the southwest portion of the area.

This morning, two new fissure segments broke ground. The first (fissure 11) opened in a forested southwest of Leilani Estates about 9:30 am and was active for only 3 hours. The second (fissure 12) opened about 12:20 between older fissures 10 and 11. By 3:15 pm, both new fissures were in active but the west end of fissure 10 was steaming heavily.

Cracks on Highway 130 widened from 7 cm to 8 cm over the course of the day and additional cracks were found just west of the highway on trend with the eruptive fissures.

For map of recent features discussed above, see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Rates of seismicity and deformation changed little throughout the day.

Gas emissions likely remain elevated in the vicinity of fissures.

Residents should remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages (http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts).

For maps showing the locations of eruption features, please see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

For information on volcanic air pollution, please see: http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/

HVO geologists will be in the area overnight to track and report to Hawaii County Civil Defense on the activity, and other scientists are closely tracking the volcano's overall activity using various monitoring data streams.

Kīlauea Volcano Summit
Tiltmeters at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano continue to record the deflationary trend of the past several days and the lava lake level continues to drop. Rockfalls from the steep crater walls into the retreating lake continue to produce occasional ashy plumes above Halema‘uma‘u crater. These plumes are expected to continue.

Earthquake activity in the summit remains elevated but has decreased over the past few days. Many of these earthquakes are related to the ongoing subsidence of the summit area and earthquakes beneath the south flank of the volcano.

This message will be updated tomorrow morning or earlier should conditions change.

HVO Contact: askHVO@usgs.gov

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

HVO Contact: askHVO@usgs.gov

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.

 

[NancyDVC]

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park’s latest post on FB: (Posted about 6:00 PM HST Monday, May 7) (They also posted some recent photos on their FB page)

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Monday announced that new operating hours for visitation will be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice.

In addition, Kīlauea Visitor Center (KVC) has resumed normal operating hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Jaggar Museum has resumed normal operating hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association stores within each facility have also resumed normal operations.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park partially reopened Sunday with limited services after a jarring 6.9-magnitude earthquake prompted a two-day closure and evacuation of park visitors and staff last Friday. Much of the park remains closed.

In addition to KVC and Jaggar Museum, the following areas are also open:

• The outdoor overlook at Jaggar Museum
• Sulphur Banks Trail
• Steam Vents parking lot
• Crater Rim Trail from Kīlauea Overlook to Jaggar Museum only
• The Entrance Station to Mauna Ulu parking lot
• Mauna Ulu to Pu‘uhuluhulu (Nāpau Trail is closed past Pu‘uhuluhulu)
• Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 to the Mauna Loa Lookout and Kīpukapuaulu
• Kahuku will resume its regular Friday through Sunday schedule, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volcano House plans to reopen by 7 a.m. Tuesday, and will open Nāmakanipaio in phases, starting with the campground. Most facilities at Kilauea Military Camp are open.

“It’s a dynamic and fluid situation in the park that can change at any minute,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Visitors should continue to expect changing conditions and unannounced closures, as safety remains our top priority,” she said.

Elevated earthquake activity continues in the summit area of Kīlauea, along with rockfalls and explosive ash events within Halema‘uma‘u Crater. The existing Temporary Flight Restriction above Halema‘uma‘u remains in effect, and extends to 5,000 feet above ground level (AGL) out to a three-mile radius. Due to the hazardous and unpredictable ash plume coming from Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent, there is a new TFR which extends 3,000 feet above ground level and a two-mile radius from the vent. Aircraft (including drones) are not permitted in the TFR zones. Relief aircraft on official flights approved by the National Park Service are the only aircraft allowed in the area.


#LavaSafe #FindYourPark #BePrepared

 

[NancyDVC]

The USGS Volcanoes FB page has some interesting videos posted.

 

[NancyDVC]

Here is the latest update from the USGS HVO Tuesday, May 8 8:15 AM HST:


HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 8:15 AM HST (Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 18:15 UTC)


KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Summary: As of 7:00 am, the eruption along Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone within the Leilani Estates subdivision has paused. Strong emission of gas continues from the fissure system that is now about 2.5 miles long. This pause is likely temporary and resumption of lava emission or additional fissure outbreaks are possible at any time.

Deflationary tilt at the summit of the volcano continues and the lava lake level continues to drop. There is no active lava in the Puʻu ʻŌʻō area. Aftershocks from Friday's magnitude-6.9 earthquake continue and more are expected. Rockfalls into the Overlook vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater are producing intermittent ash emissions. Seismicity at Kīlauea's summit remains elevated.

USGS/HVO continues to monitor the situation 24/7 in coordination with Hawaii County Civil Defense and other authorities. Field crews are onsite this morning examining the fissure vents, lava flow of yesterday, and searching for any signs of new or resumed activity.

Lower East Rift Zone Observations

Lava emission from fissures was minimal overnight. Strong degassing continues from several fissures. There was no active lava flowing as of 7:00 am this morning.

Deformation of the ground in the area continues. Ground cracks are reported crossing Highway 130 about 1 mile west of the westernmost fissure.

Overall seismicity in the area has not changed significantly overnight and remains elevated. Seismic stations nearest the fissures record seismicity likely related to ongoing vigorous degassing.

Summit Observations: Tiltmeters at the summit continue to record a deflationary trend of the past week and the summit lava lake level continues to drop. Elevated summit sulfur dioxide emission rates persist. Current webcam views are here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Rockfalls into the Overlook crater are intermittently producing small ash emissions that loft several thousand feet above the ground and travel downwind.

Elevated earthquake activity in the summit area continues following Friday's magnitude-6.9 earthquake and as a consequence of ongoing summit deflation.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: A tiltmeter on the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone continues to record the deflationary pattern that followed collapse of the crater floor on April 30. Rockfalls from the steep crater walls will likely continue to collapse intermittently, producing small ashy plumes. The 61g lava flow is no longer active.

Hazard Analysis: Continued eruptive activity (fluctuating and intermittent) in the lower East Rift Zone is likely. New outbreaks or resumption of lava production at existing vents can occur at any time.

Areas downslope of erupting fissures are at risk of lava inundation. The general area of Leilani Estates remains at the greatest risk. However, as the eruption progresses, other areas of the lower East Rift Zone may also be at risk.

High levels of volcanic gas including sulphur dioxide are being emitted from the fissure vents. In addition, smoke from burning houses and burning asphalt is a health concern and should be avoided.

As the lava lake level inside Halemaʻumaʻu drops, rockfalls from the enclosing walls may increase in frequency prompting explosions of spatter from the lake onto the nearby crater rim and lofting plumes of ash. Dustings of ash from these events can occur downwind.

Additional aftershocks from the magnitude-6.9 earthquake are expected and some may be strong. Residents are advised to review earthquake preparedness by consulting available resources such as: https://www.shakeout.org/hawaii/dropcoverholdon/

Residents of the Puna District should remain alert, review individual, family, and business emergency plans, and watch for further information about the status of the volcano.

Hawaii County Civil Defense messages regarding conditions, warning, and evacuations may be found at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/.

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

HVO Contact: askHVO@usgs.gov

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.

 

[Midoria]

Thanks, Paul! We have a dinner reservation at the Rim on 5/29 and are so hoping we might be able to keep it. We had rented a house in Leilani Estates. Obviously, that is not happening now, and we are staying in Kona, but hopeful we can still drive down to VNP for a day.

Hopefully, it will be open when you arrive. It's really a great place!