Hawaii volcano: Crowds line up at Kilauea volcano despite warnings over hazardous gas

Latest as Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island erupts causing evacuations

Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island has erupted. (EPA/USGS)

Residents on Hawaii’s Big Island have been warned to stay indoors for their safety, following the eruption of the Kilauea volcano due to a series of earthquakes in the area. Onlookers have been advised to avoid the crater due to hazardous gases rising from the fissures. 

The earthquakes hit on Sunday evening, around 10pm local time, with a 4.0 magnitude quake reported. The US Geological Survey estimated that the quake was located beneath the volcano’s south flank, while the eruption was located in the Halemaumau Crater. The initial eruption launched lava 165ft into the air. 

USGS officials described a “lava lake” that had been formed following the eruption, with fountains of molten liquid spewing into the newly created lake. The US Geological Survey reported that the volcano is mostly emitting steam at this time. 

Key Points

• Crowds told to stay away from the crater due to hazardous gas rising into the air
• Hawaii’s Kilauea has erupted
• Local residents advised to stay inside for safety
• Experts say ‘lava lake’ has been created by fountains of molten liquid
• Volcano’s last eruption was several years ago and resulted in mass property destruction

[21 December 2020 23:11 · Justin Vallejo]

Crowds gather to watch despite warnings

Despite warnings, crowds have been gathering to watch Kilauea following its eruption, according to the Associated Press.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was not doing crowd control yet but may do so if people continue to gather and the situation worsens.

David Phillips, a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory spokesman, told AP they were  monitoring the “rapidly evolving” situation.

“We will send out further notifications on Kilauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes as we observe changes,” he said.