KAILUA-KONA — Eruption of lava and ground cracking continues Wednesday in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivision in Puna.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the middle portion of the fissure system continues to produce the most robust eruptive activity spanning about a mile along the lower East Rift Zone. The most active fissures have been 22, 19, 6, 5 and 23. A faint glow was seen from Fissure 9, but no flows, and methane was observed burning in road cracks overnight.
The ocean entry remains active and is producing occasional small explosions. Observers noted the height of the perched lava pond, or channel, had reached 36 feet above the ground level.
Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from these fissure eruptions.
Frequent ash emissions continue at the Kilauea summit, resulting in plumes less than 8,000 feet high.
Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Wednesday morning that county, state, and federal partners are working together to monitor the situation at Puna Geothermal Venture and are continuing work on the wells.
In addition, the Hawaii Fire Department, state Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continue to monitor the air quality in the lower East Rift Zone.