Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has once again awakened from its slumber, captivating onlookers with mesmerizing lava flows. After nearly three months of relative calm, the volcano erupted on Sunday, unleashing glowing streams of lava within its HalemaÊ»umaÊ»u crater.
The eruption, which commenced at around 3:15 p.m. local time, occurred in the summit caldera of Kilauea at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). As the youngest and most active volcano on the island, Kilauea has witnessed several summit eruptions since 2020.
The USGS reported that seismic activity and rapid uplift of the summit preceded the eruption. Videos captured the awe-inspiring sight of lava spewing from fissures at the base of the crater. However, as of Sunday, the volcanic activity was contained within the crater, posing no immediate threat to surrounding communities.
Despite the relatively contained nature of the eruption, authorities have elevated Kilauea’s volcano alert level to warning in order to assess potential hazards stemming from the event. The USGS has cautioned that the initial phases of eruptions are highly dynamic and unpredictable.
Volcanic gas and delicate particles of volcanic glass, known as Pele’s hair, are among the primary concerns associated with the eruption. These particles can be carried by strong winds, potentially causing irritation to the skin and eyes of both residents and visitors. The USGS advises minimizing exposure to these volcanic particles.
This recent eruption follows a brief eruption in June, during which lava fountains reached heights of approximately 200 feet. The eruption concluded on June 19, as reported by the USGS. Kilauea also experienced a previous eruption in January, following a period of dormancy that began in December 2021. During that eruption, lava remained confined to the summit crater.
However, one of the most devastating eruptions in recent Hawaiian history occurred in 2018, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of homes and necessitating the evacuation of nearby neighborhoods. Since that eruption, Kilauea has maintained a state of constant change, with episodes of calm, unrest, and eruptions interspersed, as noted by the USGS.
For native Hawaiians, eruptions hold significant spiritual importance, particularly at Kilauea’s sacred summit. It is believed to house Pele, the Hawaiian volcano deity, according to the National Park Service. HawaiÊ»i Volcanoes National Park emphasized the sacredness of this landscape in a social media post, calling the eruption a solemn reminder and urging visitors to approach the site with reverence.
As Hawaii witnesses the resurgence of Kilauea’s volcanic activity, authorities and scientists continue to monitor the situation closely. The utmost priority remains the safety and well-being of the communities in and around the volcano, as researchers work tirelessly to gather valuable data and insights from this captivating natural phenomenon.
