New Eruptions From Kilauea Volcano In Hawaii

Kilauea, the volcano on Hawaii's Big Island that began erupting nearly three weeks ago, erupted once again Monday evening, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said

The latest eruption happened around 5:51 p.m. local time according to authorities. 

"Eruptive lava activity at multiple fissures continues with one flow entering the ocean," the agency wrote in a post on Facebook. "Fissure 22 continues to produce most of the lava feeding the flows."

The lava from Fissure 22 reached Puna Geothermal Venture property, a geothermal plant that supplies about 25 percent of the power for the Big Island, Authorities say that "county, state, and federal partners have been collaborating closely to monitor the situation and work with PGV to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities." 

The lava is coming out of the east rift of the Kilauea volcano at an incredible 3,500 cubic feet per second, creating a river 4-miles long, reaching all the way to the Pacific ocean. 

The Hawaiian Civil Defense Agency has also issued warnings for laze - clouds of hydrochloric acid that is laced with fine glass particles formed when the lava hits ocean water. Laze is known to be dangerous and can damage a person's lungs, eyes, and skin. 

On Sunday, the lava flow resulted in the first known serious injury after a homeowner had his leg shattered by a piece of lava spatter while he was on his third-floor balcony, Janet Snyder, a spokesperson for the Office of the Mayor, County of Hawaii said

Officials have cut off access to the coastal area near where laze was the heaviest and have passed out some 18,000 respirators to local residents. 

The lava flow has also cut off a Hawaiian highway that serves as an escape route for residents and ignited several brush fires in the area. More eruptions are expected from one of the world's most active volcanoes. 

Photo: Getty Images


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