HILO — Lava from Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption continues to advance toward Isaac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki boat ramp.
As of this morning, the flow front was an estimated 500 meters from the boat ramp, according to Janet Snyder, spokeswoman for Mayor Harry Kim.
Snyder said fissure No. 8 is still feeding the lava entering the ocean on the south side of Ahalanui as well as a north lobe at Kapoho Bay.
According to Snyder, there have been 55 summit collapse-explosions creating energy equivalent to magnitude-5.0 or stronger earthquakes in the Volcano area since May.
“As the next collapse-event approaches, the (lava) level in the channel is lower, but … there’s a surge,” she said.
The National Weather Service is currently monitoring two low-pressure tropical disturbances that could head toward Hawaii.
The first is about 950 miles southwest of Hilo is producing showers and thundershowers and the weather service said there’s a 20 percent chance it could become a tropical cyclone over the next five days.
The second, which is still in the Eastern Pacific, is about 1,400 miles off the tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. It is producing a large area of showers and thundershowers. According to NWS, there is a 30 percent chance it will organize into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours with a 50 percent chance of organization over the next five days.
“They look like they’re not going to impact us,” Snyder said.
Scattered showers are in the forecast from tonight and through the weekend.
The Disaster Recovery Center is open six days a week at Keaau High School. Weekday hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The DRC is now closed on Sundays.
As Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Center had registered 2,303 individuals for disaster relief assistance, with $4,177,831 in funds approved.
A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. today at Pahala Community Center to discuss the effects of explosive events and emissions from Halema‘uma‘u Crater.
The U.S. Geological Survey will provide a presentation. Staff from Civil Defense, the State Highways Division and the County Department of Public Works will be on hand as well to discuss roads and evacuation routes.
The issues of sheltering and personal preparedness will also be on the agenda.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
