One of the most active volcanoes in the world has erupted in Hawaii. After a three-month break, Kilauea is spewing lava fountains again. There is currently no danger – the national park is expecting a rush of visitors.
One of the most active volcanoes in the world has erupted again on the main island of the US state of Hawaii. Kilauea spewed lava and footage showed cracks in a crater of the volcano. Volcanologists described the eruption as “dynamic”. Local residents were not harmed: the volcano is located a safe distance from people and buildings in a national park on the Big Island.
“We’re not seeing any sign of activity in the rift zones right now,” said Mike Zoeller, a geologist with the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory threatened with lava flows or the like.”
Volcanic smog can cause respiratory problems
Scientists from the United States Geological Survey said high levels of volcanic gases are the main concern “since they can have far-reaching effects on wind generation.” When sulfur dioxide is released at the summit, it reacts in the atmosphere, creating a visible mist that can spread across Kilauea. According to the US authorities, this so-called volcanic smog can cause respiratory problems in humans and animals and also affect plants.
700 houses were destroyed in 2018
The volcano has plenty of room to produce more lava “without endangering homes or infrastructure,” said Jessica Ferracane, spokeswoman for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. “That’s how we like our eruptions here.” She said the park is expecting a large influx of visitors. Because the eruption can be observed from many vantage points.
Kilauea, Hawaii’s second largest volcano after Mauna Loa, erupted from September 2021 to December 2022. After a brief pause, another eruption began in January, lasting 61 days and ending in March. A major eruption in 2018 destroyed more than 700 homes.