NEWS BLIPS
Kilauea Volcano Eruption Is Threatening The Big Island While Fissures Break Open
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through USA Today's website.
PAHOA, Hawaii -- Looming over the Hawaiian islands is the threat of the Kilauea Volcano eruption. As we speak, news reporters are monitoring the natural disaster and are reporting on 19 lava outbreaks from fissures being made in the earth and a jungle ablaze from meeting molten lava. Nearly 2,000 people have been barred from their homes for 10 days as the Kilauea volcano pours lava through a rural neighborhood about 35 miles from Hilo, the island’s largest city. According to USA Today writer Trevor Hughes, "Frustration, anxiety and unpredictable 2,000-degree lava are taking their toll on volcano evacuees on Hawaii’s Big Island while they await an “imminent” eruption that could rain car-sized boulders and ash onto this tropical paradise."
Unfortunately, being released from the volcano, plumes of poisonous gases are killing off trees and grasses left untouched by the lava. The initial eruption began May 3 and since then officials have closed affected areas to the public. Forrest Lanning, a program manager at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, tweeted last week Friday that a summit-pressure explosion at Kilauea was likely in 24 to 48 hours. Authorities are pleading for caution, reminding residents through hourly radio broadcasts that the lava flows are unpredictable and the poisonous gases invisible. The United States Geological Survey warned about the possibility of an explosive eruption at the volcano's Halema’uma’u Crater because of lava flowing from the Kilauea summit lake. Even with the worst happening, some businesses stay open for customers. The Big Island’s economy depends heavily on tourism, but hotels and airlines are reporting few cancellations. Helicopter flights over the lava flows are largely booked days in advance.
For the full article written by Trevor Hughes on USA Today, click here.