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Hawaii volcano: Aerial footage shows rivers of lava flowing to the ocean

Further mandatory evacuations may be necessary, national guard says

Gianluca Avagnina
Friday 25 May 2018 19:04 BST
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Hawaii volcano: Aerial footage shows rivers of lava reaching the ocean

Newly-released aerial footage of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii shows lava flows that extend to the ocean.

The footage, released by the United States Geological Survey, is from an unmanned aerial craft hovering over one of the main fissures. The images will help scientists understand better what is happening and assess potential hazards.

The activity of the volcano has been going on for more than two weeks, and has caused the destruction of dozens of homes and other buildings.

A man was hit on the leg by lava splatter as he sat on the balcony of his property, the first major casualty reported so far. Authorities have warned that even small pieces of molten rock can be fatal.

Molten lava also reached the site of a geothermal power plant, which has been shut down amid fears that toxic gases could be realised.

Around 2,000 people have been evacuated due to lava flows and toxic sulphur dioxide gas. The Hawaii National Guard said that more mandatory evacuations will be necessary if further roads are blocked.

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