Hawaii volcano eruption: Couple lose EVERYTHING as home destroyed by Kilauea lava spew
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Kathy and Gene Morgan purchased a house on the island six years ago, with the intention to renovate and live there permanently in their retirement. But, on Monday, Kilauea spewed lava into their neighbourhood of Leilani Estates, and all of their plans were ruined. Speaking to local press, the couple said: “We lost our home on Monday. “It’s gone, even the street we used to live on, it’s totally gone.”
Kilauea has been erupting for almost four weeks, sending lava spilling into the streets of Hawaii’s Big Island. An estimated 82 buildings have now been destroyed by the eruption. The Morgans did not have expensive lava insurance on their property, as it wasn’t required by the mortgage lender. Before this year, volcanic lava had not come near the neighbourhood in 1,000 years.
Hawaii volcano: Dramatic pictures of Kilauea volcano destroying homes Wed, May 30, 2018 Hawaii volcano eruption 2018: Dramatic pictures as lava from the Kilauea volcano eruptions destroys over 40 homes in the area. Play slideshow EPA 1 of 36 An aerial view of a home bursting into flames as it is consumed by lava in Pahoa
However, the couple may still qualify for government help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Programme. Mr Morgan said an eruption of Kilauea in 1955 had affected the areas surrounding their house, but had missed their neighbourhood entirely. “Nobody expected it to ever happen again,” he said. Despite their losses, the Morgans will return to Big Island this week to aid with relief efforts for displaced residents and thank the community who had been so welcoming to them.
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