One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea, located in the U.S. archipelago of Hawaii, entered another phase of explosive activity yesterday, Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Images released by authorities show massive fissures in the volcano’s crater, spewing and ejecting lava.
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Kilauea Volcano Erupts in Hawaii!
After a series of small earthquakes, Hawaii's Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, began erupting early Monday morning. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
(video courtesy: USGS)#KilaueaEruption… pic.twitter.com/blSgP5xvyK
The volcanic eruption began at approximately 2:20 a.m. local time (2:20 p.m. Cyprus time), according to the USGS.
“By 4:30 a.m. (4:30 p.m.), lava fountains reaching heights of 80 metres were observed,” it added.
The sulphur dioxide emitted from the crater will interact with the atmosphere, creating a mist known as “volcanic smog,” the institute noted.
Scientists are monitoring air quality after Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted early Monday, sending plumes of smoke and lava into the sky.
— ABC News (@ABC) December 24, 2024
The eruption was confined to the volcano's summit caldera, in a remote area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. https://t.co/az4xfwk9zN pic.twitter.com/2t4XYU8lIt
This volcanic smog can harm humans, animals, and crops.
According to the USGS, the situation at the volcano stabilised around 6:30 a.m. (6:30 p.m.), without any infrastructure being threatened.
Kīlauea has remained in a near-continuous phase of explosive activity since 1983. The previous eruption occurred in September. It is one of six active volcanoes in Hawaii, alongside Mauna Loa, the largest in the world.
Although smaller than Mauna Loa, Kīlauea is more active and highly appreciated by tourists for its spectacular lava flows and pyroclastic displays.
This morning, around 2:20 AM, a new #Kilauea eruption began within Kaluapele (the summit caldera). It was caught on camera by #HVO's B2cam. Images taken by the webcam were compiled into this timelapse video that shows lava fountains feeding lava flows across the caldera floor. pic.twitter.com/w52KpHOtau
— USGS Volcanoes
Also read: Volcanic eruption in Indonesia: 16,000 people to be evacuated
Source: ANA-MPA-AFP
