Halemaumau Summit Lake explosive eruption hazard

Hawaii County Civil Defense 4:30 p.m. Kilauea summit explosion hazard audio message

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has cautioned about the possibility of an explosive eruption at Halemaumau.

This is caused by the withdrawal of lava from Halemaumau’s summit lake, which leads to a steam-driven eruption. Such an eruption could generate ash plumes as high as 20,000 feet. The area affected by ash plumes could be as wide as 12 miles.

Should this occur, the following are advised:

The danger from this eruption is ash fallout. The major response is to protect yourself from fallout.

If this event occurs while you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities.

If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving conditions. Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park.

After the hazard is passed, do check your home, and especially your catchment system, for any impact that may affect your water quality.

This is precautionary information for your safety in the event that there is a Halemaumau explosive event. We want everyone in the Volcano area to be ready, and to remain safe. Do keep yourself informed and on the alert.

This is your Hawai’i County Civil Defense.



USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist in Charge Tina Neal update on the Kilauea eruption on Friday, May 11, 2018.

Lower East Rift Zone Kilauea Eruption Update

Hawaii County Civil Defense 6:30 p.m. audio message

This is a Civil Defense Message for 6:40 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2018.

Eruption update:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports volcanic activity in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano continues. No lava has been emitted from any of the 15 fissure vents since May 9. Earthquake, ground deformation, and continuing high emission rates of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) indicate additional outbreaks of lava are likely.

In addition, HVO has cautioned about the possibility of an explosive eruption at Halema’uma’u Crater due to the ongoing withdrawal of lava from Kilauea summit lake. This could generate ash plumes that may affect an area as far as 12 miles from the summit crater.

Maps and advisory information are available at links posted at the Civil Defense Eruption Updates website.

Visit the new link on the Civil Defense website for better public access to the eruption map: www.hawaiicounty.gov/2018-lava…. For more details n the intrusion and volcanic activity: volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatori…

15 FISSURES EMERGED

117.38 ACRES COVERED BY LAVA

36 STRUCTURES DESTROYED

Visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense eruption map: hawaii247.com/lavamap

Evacuation Update:

As a precautionary measure, residents of lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana, are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Take this time to prepare.

If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.

All beach parks in Lower Puna have been closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Conditions permitting, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to check on their property from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day until further notice. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

Civil Defense Recovery Information and Assistance Center (RIAC) is open at the Pāhoa Community Center, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can come with questions and concerns that involve Evacuation Access Placards, Health, Mental/Spiritual Health, Housing, Aging, and On-Site Shelter needs.

Road Status Update:

Highway 130 is closed between Malama Street and Kamaili Road.

Pohoiki Road is closed from Highway 132 to 137.

No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens due to dangerous volcanic gases.

Service/Utilities/Agency Update:

Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) has completed the removal of all pentane gas offsite to Shipman Industrial Park.

The Kalapana Transfer Station is closed until further notice. The Pāhoa Transfer Station on Apaa Street is open 7 days a week, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hawai‘i Electric Light reminds residents to treat all downed lines as live. Under no circumstances are you to approach or touch downed lines.

Emergency water restrictions for the Pohoiki, Vacationland and Kapoho area are still in effect while personnel work to restore service. Water spigots installed near the entrance of Lava Tree State Park and a water tanker in Vacationland are still available for the public to access.

Evacuated residents can pick up their mail at the Pāhoa Post Office. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Post Office has closed, mail pick up for area residents is at Volcano Village Post Office.

The Hawai‘i County Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office have established a policy of zero tolerance towards looting or vandalism. Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism will be treated as a felony.

Contact the Humane Society for animal information.

Community Message/Alerts:

Next community meeting 5:30 p.m. Monday (May 14) in the Pāhoa High School Cafeteria. The meeting will be broadcast by Naleo.tv

Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Sciences is closed this week.

Kua O Ka La School will reopen in Hilo on Monday (May 14). Grades K through 4 will meet at New Hope Church in Hilo, grades 5 through 12 will meet at the Boys and Girls Club in Hilo.

The evacuated residents are going through a very difficult time. We ask for your help and understanding.

County, State, and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.

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