Kilauea, the most active volcano in Hawaii, began erupting early on Monday morning, causing excitement and concern among residents and visitors alike. The eruption, which occurred near the summit of the volcano, did not pose an immediate danger to those in the area.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the eruption began at 12:30 a.m. local time, with magma rising from beneath the surface and fountaining up through cracks. Unlike major volcanic eruptions that can send lava hundreds of feet into the air, the lava at Kilauea was rising only tens of feet on Monday.
This recent eruption marks the fourth time Kilauea has erupted in the past year, with previous eruptions occurring in January, June, and September of 2023. In 2018, a major eruption destroyed 700 homes on the Big Island.
Michael Poland, a geophysicist with the U.S.G.S., noted that the recent activity at Kilauea represents a shift from the steady eruptions seen between 1983 and 2018. Now, eruptions are happening in different places and are typically shorter in duration.
Despite the potential for volcanic gas and vog (volcanic smog) to be released during the eruption, Mr. Poland reassured the public that the activity was starting to wane as of Monday morning. The volcano alert level was raised to a warning, indicating that an eruption was underway.
As scientists continue to monitor the situation at Kilauea, residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and take precautions to protect their health and safety.
