More eruptions from Kilauea are possible, but laze and lava are the biggest hazards right now.
Residents on the Big Island face several threats Monday from Kilauea: In addition to the possibility of more eruptions, lava is oozing into the ocean, sending hydrochloric acid and volcanic glass particles into the air.
That’s producing laze, a dangerous mix of lava and haze, which is adding to the ongoing challenges. Levels of sulfur dioxide have tripled in emissions. And Kilauea Volcano’s summit had several small ash emissions Sunday, releasing plumes of gas and billowing steam.
Over the weekend, a man sitting on his porch was hit in the leg by a lava bomb, leaving him seriously hurt, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno. It’s the first serious injury reported since the volcano began erupting May 3.
The United States Geological Survey warned residents to remain alert.
“At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles very near the vent,” said the USGS. “Communities downwind should be prepared for ashfall as long as this activity continues.”
The Kilauea volcano erupted at least twice this weekend — at one point launching a cloud of ash up to 10,000 feet high.
Source: cnn.com
