(Kailua-Kona) Waves of orange lava and smoldering ash erupted from the world’s largest active volcano during its first eruption in 38 years on Monday, prompting officials on Hawaii’s Big Island to issue an appeal to its population: Prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Mauna Loa’s eruption does not immediately put cities at risk, but experts are warning the roughly 200,000 people who live on the island that the eruption will be very dynamic and the location and progress of the lava flow can change quickly.
Officials have urged residents to be prepared to evacuate if lava flows start moving towards residential areas.
US Geological Survey photo via Agence France-Presse
The eruption began Sunday evening after a series of large earthquakes, said Ken Hahn, chief scientist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
The areas where the lava is emerging – both the summit crater of the volcano and the pits along the northeast flank – are far from buildings and communities.
Local authorities urged people to stay away from the blast sites as lava was thrown up to 60 meters into the air from three separate fissures estimated to be 1.6 to 3.2 kilometers long.
Photo by Samantha Hansen/Safari Helicopters via Reuters
Volcanic gases escaping from fissures, mainly sulfur dioxide, are also harmful.
Air quality on the Big Island is currently good, but officials are monitoring it carefully.
Mr Hahn warned that air quality could deteriorate during the eruption, which scientists say could last for a week or two if the volcano follows historical patterns.
