KAILUA-KONA — The eruption along Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone within Leilani Estates has “paused,” scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported Tuesday morning.
As of 7 a.m., the eruption had paused and there was no longer lava flowing, however, strong emission of gas, including sulfur dioxide, continued from the fissure system that now stretches about 2.5 miles. The pause followed minimal lava emissions from the 12 confirmed fissures overnight.
“This pause is likely temporary and resumption of lava emission or additional fissure outbreaks are possible at any time,” the scientists cautioned.
The lava has covered 104 acres and 35 structures have been destroyed, Civil Defense said.
There is no active lava in the Puʻu ʻOʻo vent area. A tiltmeter on the Puʻu ʻOʻo 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The 61g lava flow is no longer active.
Rockfalls into the Overlook vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater are producing intermittent ash emissions reaching several thousand feet. Seismicity at Kilauea’s summit remains elevated and deflationary tilt continues. The lava lake level continues to drop within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, scientists said.
Aftershocks from Friday’s magnitude-6.9 earthquake continue and more are expected. Ground cracks are reported crossing Highway 130, about 1 mile west of the westernmost fissure.