ARTICLES
Trouble in Paradise: Eruptions from Kīlauea Volcano place the
Hawaiian island on Red Alert
By Rebecca Carey
But Kīlauea has erupted before, and just as today its violent
activity attracted the crowds. The challenge for authorities is to
balance that curiosity with the safety of people on the island.
The observatory warning said there were reports of an ash cloud
reaching heights of up to 3.5km above sea level. Ashfall and vog
(volcanic air pollution) have been reported almost 29km down-
wind of the summit.
There were also reports of new fissures erupting lava into new
areas furthering the extent of the damage.
Respect for Kīlauea
An ash plume rises from the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s
Big Island.
Kīlauea is a majestic and beautiful volcano. Native Hawaiians
and Hawai'i residents who live on her flanks speak of her beauty
with a healthy dose of respect and awareness of the constant
threat of eruptive activity and destruction.
Kīlauea’s eruptive activity this year began in early May in
residential areas on its east flank, about 35 km from the summit.
A lava flow from one of the fissures moves on Makamae Street
in Leilani Estates on May 6.
A new fissure erupting from Luana Street, Leilani Estates
subdivision on Kilauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone near
Pahoa, Hawai'i, May 5, 2018.
A code red alert level for aviation has been issued this week on
Hawai'i’s big island, as Kīlauea volcano continues its explosive
activity at the summit.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s warning for Kīlauea said:
At any time, activity may become more explosive, increasing the
intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles
near the vent.
The eruptive activity has captivated us for days. Spectacular
fountains and rivers of lava have been emanating from volcanic
vents, together with the tragic destruction of property and
livelihoods.
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 2