Kilauea Erupts Once Again
Immediate evacuations of Lanipuna Gardens and Leilani Estates have been ordered for Hawaii’s Big Island, as Kilauea erupts once again.
Twelve fissures have formed, and have since subsided volcanic activity, but geologists suggest that eruptions have only paused, not stopped entirely.
Several “safe zones” have been formed, but may become dangerous quickly. Charles Mandeville, program coordinator for volcano hazards at the US Geological Survey has said, "What looks like a safe zone can turn very hazardous very, very quickly and, bear in mind, that the gases coming out of the ground in these fissures are at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit”.
Quick visits home for medications can easily become life threatening due to earthquakes, toxic gases, and newly formed cracks. For example, cracks on Highway 130 in Hawaii have widened from 7 to 8 centimeters which marks a spot for a potential new fissure. A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit The Big Island on Friday May 4, and after that, the island has experienced multiple earthquakes per day.
One thing that is different about this Kilauea eruption, is that fissures normally form away from residential areas, giving time for evacuations before toxic gases reach homes, but with this eruption, fissures have opened in the middle of neighborhoods. Dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide are common with volcanic eruptions. These particles can settle in the air causing smog which causes health problems, including headaches, eye or lung irritation, and asthma attacks.
Hawaii authorities urge citizens to follow evacuation orders. Not only are the residents putting themselves at risk by ignoring evacuation orders or returning home, but they are putting rescue squads and first responders at risk too. "Abide by the rules," said Hawaii County Deputy Fire Chief Renwick Victorino. "If someone goes down, we've got to go in, risk our lives. We know it's a dangerous situation already. If you guys can help us out, please, please do.” It is unclear when evacuation orders will be lifted.
Lava Wave- As lava continues to burn through land, many homes are destroyed and more and more are put in danger. Officials have said that lava and smog can be seen in satellite images from space.
