(BIVN) – Scientists have issued a new Volcanic Activity Notice as an eruption has commenced in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano.

Shortly before 5 pm, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Obseravtory says lava was confirmed at the surface in the eastern end of the subdivision. Hawaii County Civil Defense, which reported the eruption occurred at in the area of Mohala Street, was on the scene and “coordinating needed response including evacuation of a portion of the Leilani subdivision.”

By 5:40 p.m. that civil defense message was changed to “all residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions are required to evacuate.”

The Pahoa Regional Community Center near the new Pahoa Regional Park is open for shelter, as well as the Kea’au Community Center for additional shelter needs.

In its Volcanic Activity Notice, the Current Volcano Alert Level was upgraded to WARNING. It was previously at WATCH.