Incredible: Hawaiian lava flow spares family headstone

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Cheryl Santa Maria

Digital Reporter

Thursday, November 6, 2014, 9:08 PM - Lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano moved through a cemetery in the community of Pahoa last month. Nearly everything was destroyed, with the exception of one family headstone that's now ensconced in a bed of molten rock.

When Aiko Sato, 63, visited her family's headstone on Hawaii's Big Island on October 23, she thought it would be the last time she would see it in-tact.

A few days later lava decimated the cemetery and Sato assumed the headstone had been destroyed.

Then, on October 28, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released a photo of the area. It featured the headstone, surrounded by hardened lava.

"I feel like it's a miracle," she told the Associated Press.

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"I know subsequent breakouts could cover the grave but at least I know it survived like a first round."

Lava flowing from Kilauea volcano has slowed since it began moving toward residential areas in June, but it remains a threat to people on Hawaii's Big Island.

On Sunday U.S. President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration for the lava flow, allowing for federal aid that will support local and state recovery efforts.

With files from the Associated Press

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