KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that several fissures are actively producing spatter, however, the flow from fissure 17 has not advanced since Tuesday, according to a Wednesday morning update from Hawaii County Civil Defense.
HVO has increased the Aviation Color Code to “red” due to increased ash emission from Kilauea Volcano, the Civil Defense reports. Ash has been rising nearly continuously from the vent and drifting downwind to the southwest. Ash fall and vog have been reported along Highway 11 to Pahala. At any time, activity may increase the intensity of ash production.
The ash advisory issued Tuesday by the National Weather Service for Ka‘u District is no longer in place.
In addition, no tsunami was triggered by a magnitude-4.2 earthquake that struck Wednesday morning near the summit of Kilauea Volcano.
The temblor, which occurred at 8:31 a.m., had a registered depth of .4 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the earthquake did not generate a tsunami though some areas may have experienced shaking.
Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:
- Volcano School of Arts and Sciences will be closed today
- Hawaii Fire Department reports that air quality is condition RED around fissures in the southeast area of Lanipuna Gardens and surrounding farm lots on Pohoiki Road. Condition RED means immediate danger to health so take action to limit further exposure. Severe conditions may lead to symptoms such as eye and nose irritation, and coughing. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas is especially dangerous for the elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.
- The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that Highway 130 is open beyond Malama Street for local residents only. The Hawaii Police Department reports no large trailers or heavy equipment will be allowed over the metal plates.
- Highway 132 is closed at Pohoiki Road intersection and a checkpoint is located on Highway 130 by Pahoa High School. Only local traffic allowed beyond all roadblocks.
- As a precautionary measure, residents of lower Puna are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Take this time to prepare.
- If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly. This is a precautionary message. We want everyone in the Lower Puna area to be ready, and to remain safe.
For up-to-date information go to: http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/2018-lava-map
For the latest images and information from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html