

(ABOVE) A USGS image of the summit lava lake level slowly dropping, associated with deflation over the past day. When this happens, scientists say collapses commonly occur within the Overlook crater, as it did on October 14th.

TOP STORY | 3.9 Earthquake



PUNA: A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was felt across East Hawaii on Thursday night. The temblor was located 11 miles south of Fern Acres in Puna, at a depth of 5.5 miles. The weak shaking was felt in Hilo and as far north as Laupahoehoe on the Hamakua Coast. (MORE…)

10 a.m. | Inflation & Earthquakes

KILAUEA VOLCANO: As eruptions continue at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit and in its east rift zone at Puʻu ʻŌʻō, USGS scientists report summit inflation began yesterday, and the summit lava lake level rose slightly. In adition to a magnitude 3.9 earthquake that occurred last night near Puʻu ʻŌʻō, and a swarm of small earthquakes also occurred on the south flank.

Summit Observations: Summit inflation began yesterday at about 3 pm, and the lava lake level has risen slightly since that time. Summit sulfur dioxide emission rates ranged from 780 to 6000 metric tons per day during the 2-week period ending October 13. Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: Webcams show no significant change in eruptive activity at Puʻu ʻŌʻō. Tilt over the past day was affected by rain and yesterday’s magnitude 3.9 earthquake. The sulfur dioxide emission rate from all East Rift Zone vents was about 300 metric tons per day when measurements were last possible on October 2, 2015. A magnitude 3.9 earthquake occurred near Puʻu ʻŌʻō at 8:41 pm yesterday. In addition, a swarm of small earthquakes has occurred on Kīlauea’s south flank, west of Kaʻena Point, near Apua Point. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Oct. 16, 2015

10/15 | Mauna Loa Update

MAUNA LOA VOLCANO – Mauna Loa is not erupting. On September 17, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory elevated the Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code for Mauna Loa to ADVISORY/YELLOW based on long-term trends in both earthquake and deformation monitoring data. A new update was posted on October 15.

“The seismicity rate is elevated above background, though at a lower weekly rate than reported in mid- to late-summer. Earthquakes occurred beneath Mauna Loa’s upper Southwest Rift Zone at depths less than 13 km (8 miles). Deformation data are still consistent with inflation of magma reservoirs beneath Mauna Loa’s summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone.” USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Oct. 15, 2015

10/15 | HVNP Campground Closure

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – Due to falling tree hazards, Nāmakanipaio cabins and campground at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have been closed pending further evaluation. Recent heavy rain and strong winds contributed to the downing of the large eucalyptus trees.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for park visitors and the community who enjoy Nāmakanipaio,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Safety is our number one priority in the park, and we do not want anyone to get hurt.” National Park Service

The National Park Service says Kulanaokuaiki Campground remains open on a first-come, first-served basis and is currently free of charge. Reservations are not required for Kulanaokuaiki. The backcountry campgrounds along the coast, at Nāpau Crater Overlook, Pepeiao, and on Mauna Loa remain open and backpackers can obtain a backcountry permit from the backcountry office, located in the Visitor Emergency Operations Center up to 24 hours in advance. The backcountry office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

10/15 | Cooper Center Repairs

VOLCANO VILLAGE – The Cooper Center in Volcano Village will get some help from the Hawaii County Council once Resolution 308-15 is approved. The resolution will provide $15,000 in funds from District 6 councilwoman Maile David’s Contingency Relief account to go towards needed repairs. The meeting will be on October 20th at the West Hawaii Civic Center.

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The Volcano Update on Big Island Video News covers the news and events of Volcano Village, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, and western villages and subdivisions of Puna mauka. If you have news or event information you would like to share, please email us at news@bigislandvideonews.com.

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