HONOLULU, HAWAII: Authorities have issued a ‘red’ warning as Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began erupting for the second time in three months after a period of strong seismicity and "rapid uplift" of the summit.
The eruption started around 3:15 pm local time in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kilauea’s summit caldera at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
In the shocking footage, Lava was seen sprouting from fissures at the crater’s base, but the activity was confined to the crater as of Sunday, September 10.
Residents living near the park have been advised to stay away from volcanic ash released into the air by the eruption.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency stated on X that the eruption "does not pose a lava threat to communities," but residents exposed to volcanic particles and fumes might experience breathing difficulties.
What did officials say after Kilauea’s eruption?
The USGS has elevated Kilauea's aviation color code from orange to red as it continued to evaluate the hazards from the eruption, according to CNN.
According to the agency, the primary fears following the eruption are volcanic gas and fine volcanic glass strands known as Pele's hair that may float downstream.
“Strong winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances,” USGS said in an alert, adding “Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation. ”
The agency also stated that “the eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift of the summit.”
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has been closely monitoring the volcano for another possible eruption since August.
The observatory noted a rise in the frequency of earthquakes, recent ground swelling, and pools of magma pouring upward over the last 24 hours as indicators of an imminent eruption, according to the NY Times.
When Kilauea volcano last erupt?
Kilauea, Hawaii’s youngest and most active volcano, formed underwater around 280,000 years ago, according to the National Park Service.
It had erupted almost continuously from 1983 to 2018, and again from 2020 onward.
Kilauea previously erupted in January after ceasing in December for the first time since September 2021, when there was an eruption in which lava was confined to Kilauea's summit crater.
However, Kilauea’s previous eruption in 2018 was among the most catastrophic in recent Hawaii history, resulting in the evacuation of nearby neighborhoods and the destruction of hundreds of houses.
“Since that 2018 activity, Kilauea has experienced nearly constant change with distinct episodes of calm, unrest, eruptions, and everything in between,” USGS said.
Meanwhile, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said on social media that the recent eruption at Kilauea serves as “a solemn reminder of the sacredness ingrained in this landscape.”
“The privilege to witness the creative forces of a new eruption comes with a responsibility to approach this place with reverence,” the national park added.
In native Hawaiian tradition, eruptions have spiritual significance and Kilauea’s summit is sacred, believed to be the home of Pele the Hawaiian volcano deity, according to the National Park Service.
