Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, has erupted for the first time in nearly 40 years, triggering a ash fall warning for the Big Island and surrounding waters by 10 a.m. (3 p.m. ET) Monday.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park eruption does not threaten downhill communities or flights to the Big Island, the Hawaii Tourism Authority tweeted Monday morning. Still, according to the Honolulu National Weather Service, “less than a quarter inch” of ashfall could accumulate on parts of the island, as winds can carry fine volcanic ash and volcanic gases downwind.
“People with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors to avoid inhaling the ash particles and anyone outside should cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth,” the Honolulu office warned. “Possible harm to crops and animals. Minor equipment and infrastructure damage. Reduced visibility. Widespread clean-up may be necessary.”
Ash fall can damage vehicles and buildings, pollute water supplies, disrupt sewer and electrical systems, injure or kill plants, and abrasive volcanic ash irritates eyes and lungs, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. There is a possibility.
According to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, lava flows are contained at the summit and do not threaten hillside communities.
“Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly,” the observatory said, adding, “If the eruption remains in Moku’āweoweo, lava flows will most likely be confined within the caldera walls.
“However, if the eruptive vents migrate outside its walls, lava flows may move rapidly downslope.”
A red hue from the eruption lit up the sky before sunrise on Monday, according to footage captured by Kailua-Kona resident Matthew Liano at Kailua Bay & Pier along the West Coast of the Big Island.
The eruption began around 11:30 pm on Sunday at Mokuaweoweo, Mauna Loa’s summit caldera. According to the Observatory, HST (Monday at 4:30 PM ET).
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