Hawaii volcano eruption: Evacuate or risk isolation, residents are warned
GETTY Recent volcanic activity has resulted in evacuations
A message issued by County of Hawaii said: “Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the lava flow from several fissures continues to advance toward the Kapoho area.
“Residents in the Kapoho area including Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are advised to evacuate.
“You are at risk of being isolated due to possible lava inundation of Beach Road near four corners.”
As a result of the lava activity, the County has introduced several public safety measures.
USGS A map showing the most recent location of lava from Kilauea
The Beach road is restricted to outbound traffic from four corners to Hawaiian Beaches to allow residents to evacuate.
Meanwhile residents close to any volcanic activity are being told to keep alert and be prepared to voluntarily evacuate if necessary.
The message added: “Cell Phone and Telephone landline communications in the Kapoho area have been severely limited due to downed power and telephone lines.
“Stay tuned to local radio stations for updates from Civil Defense.”
GETTY Lava bubbles up from one of the volcano's fissures
In addition, the Department of Health has changed the venue for a scheduled meeting to discuss the risks vog and ash exposure in the Kau District.
It will be at the Robert Herkes Gym and Emergency Shelter in Pahala at 5:30pm.
Kilauea, located on Hawaii’s sparsely populated Big Island, has been erupting since May 3, with more than 2,000 people having being evacuated so far.
Dangers include noxious vapours such as vog, which occurs when sulphur dioxide emitted by the volcanic fissures is exposed to sunlight, oxygen and other natural gases, and laze, which is produced when lava reaches the ocean and mixes with seawater.
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