Lava continues to overrun Hookupu Street, Monday, May 7, 2018, in Pahoa, Hawaii. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has destroyed homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving evacuated residents... (Associated Press) 
 
 PAHOA, Hawaii (AP) — The slopes of Kilauea offer a lush rural setting and affordable land that contrasts sharply with Hawaii's more expensive real estate, but living on one of the world's most active volcanoes comes with risks: A dozen lava vents have opened in streets of the Puna district and 35 structures have burned down. 
 
 It was difficult to immediately tell from aerial surveys how many are homes and how many are other uninhabited structures, said Wil Okabe, acting mayor of Hawaii County. 
 
 Cheryl Griffith's Leilani Estates subdivision was ordered to evacuate after lava from Kilauea volcano burst through cracks in the ground, destroying homes. But the 61-year-old did not leave. 
 
 As lava crawled down Leilani Road in a hissing, popping mass, Griffith stood in its path and placed a plant in the crack in the ground as an offering to the Native Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele. 
 
 "I love this place, and I've been around the volcano for a while," Griffith said. "I'm just not one to rush off." 
 
 The Puna district is a region of mostly unpaved roads of volcanic rock about a 30-minute drive from the coastal town of Hilo. 
 
 Puna has thick jungle as well as dark fields of lava rock from past eruptions. The gently sloping volcano dips from its summit to Puna's white sand beaches and jagged sea cliffs. 
 
 The region has macadamia nut farms and other agriculture along with multimillion-dollar homes with manicured lawns. Other houses are modest, sitting on small lots with old cars and trucks scattered about. 
 
 For many people outside Hawaii, it's hard to understand why anyone would risk living near an active volcano with such destructive power. 
 
 But the people here are largely self-sufficient and understand the risks of their location. 
 
 Amber Makuakane, a 37-year-old teacher and single mother of two, lost her three-bedroom house to the lava. She grew up here and lived in the house for nine years. Her parents also live in Leilani Estates. 
 
 "The volcano and the lava — it's always been a part of my life," she said. "It's devastating ... but I've come to terms with it." 
 
 Griffith said that is the hardest part of this lifestyle — they won't be able to recoup losses. Moments later, an explosion came from a nearby burning house. 
 
 Homeowners use rainwater-catch tanks and cesspools or septic tanks. Many rely on solar power, and some live entirely off the electrical grid. 
 
 Sam Knox, 65, who was born in Hawaii and now lives just a few hundred feet from a volcanic fissure, said he decided not to leave, despite the nearby explosions and the lava being hurled into the sky and flowing across his neighbor's property. 
 
 "It was roaring sky high. It was incredible. ... Rocks were flying out of the ground," he said. Much of the area filled with lava in just four hours. 
 
 Kilauea (pronounced kill-ah-WAY'-ah) is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting continuously since 1983. There's no indication when this particular lava flow might stop or how far it might spread. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey expect the flow to continue until more magma drains from the system. 
 
 Hawaii Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, told evacuees Monday that he has called the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Authority to tell officials that he believes the state will need federal help to deal with the erupting volcano. 
 
 On Sunday, some of the evacuees were allowed to return briefly to gather medicine, pets, and other necessities. They will be able to do so each day as long as authorities believe it is safe. 
 
 Knox has some belongings packed in case he has to make a fast escape. 
 
 "I decided to stay because I wanted to experience this in my life," he said. "I'm ready to actually evacuate, but if I don't have to evacuate, I'm just going to keep staying here because I don't have no other home to go to." 
 
 ___ 
 
 This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Amber Makuakane's name. 
 
 ___ 
 
 Associated Press writers Jennifer Sinco Kelleher and Sophia Yan in Honolulu contributed to this report. 

 PUNA (KHON2) - Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports a collapse or explosive event with energy equal to a 5.4 magnitude earthquake has occurred at Halemaumau Crater around 1:28 a.m. Wednesday morning. 
 
 The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no Tsunami Threat to the Island of Hawaii. 
 
 The summit event was followed by an increase in lava from fissure 8. 
 
 Eruption activity continues at Fissure 8 and is producing a channel flow to the ocean at Ahalanui. 
 
 Lava is entering the ocean and producing a large laze plume. 
 
 The collapse explosion from Halemaumau Wednesday morning resulted in a lava flow increase into Leilani Estates with additional structures destroyed. 
 
 The Fissure 8 channel is full but not quite up to the rim; there were no significant overflows this morning. 
 
 The southern margin of the flow remained about 1 km (0.6 mi) from Isaac Hale Park this morning. 
 
 Despite no visible surface connection to the fissure 8 channel, lava continues to ooze out at several points on the 6 km (3.7 mi) wide flow front into the ocean. 
 
 Explosions were reported from the main ocean entry this morning with at least one being quite strong. 
 
 Fissure 22 did not appear active this morning but sounds were heard from it last night. No other fissures are active this morning, 
 
 Seismicity has increased as has been the pattern leading up to collapse/explosion events beneath the summit. 
 
 The last event occurred at 3:26 a.m. on July 15 with energy equivalent to a magnitude-5.2 earthquake. We expect a high rate of earthquakes (25-35 per hour) to continue until the next collapse/explosion event occurs later today. 
 
 Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaumau continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit. 
 
 Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity. 
 
 A reminder that N-95 masks that were distributed are for ash or vog particulate and will NOT protect from gasses or vapors, including SO2. 
 
 You can monitor sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website or go directly to www.epa.gov/kilaueaairdata. 
 
 The mandatory evacuation order continues for all areas of Leilani Estates, at Pomaikai Street and to the east. The curfew has been lifted west of Pomaikai and is open only to residents with official credentials. 
 
 Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road, is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road only to residents with official credentials. There is no curfew. 
 
 Whirlwind above the fissure 8 lava... 
 
 As of yesterday 1,015 people have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance either on line, by phone, or at the Disaster Recovery Center or DRC. 
 
 Additionally the Small Business Administration has handled 329 service requests from homeowners and/or businesses at the DRC. 
 
 These are among the many resources that are available to residents of Hawaii County who suffered damage or losses from the Kilauea volcanic eruption and recent earthquakes: 
 
 The DRC is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is located at the Keaau High School Gym. 
 
 Mayor Kim reflects on losing home to... 
 
 Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash. 
 
 The ocean entry at Kapoho Bay is a hazardous area. Hazards include walking on uneven, glassy lava flow surfaces and around unstable, vertical sea cliffs. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water. 
 
 Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. 
 
 In several instances, such collapses have also incorporated parts of the older sea cliff. 
 
 Additionally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates laze, a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. 
 
 Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible. 
 
 Residents close to any volcanic activity should remain alert and be prepared to voluntarily evacuate if necessary. 
 
 Take action to limit exposure to ash and volcanic gases by staying indoors or leaving the area. The Department of Health recommends limiting outside activities and stay indoors if you have breathing issues. If possible, close the windows and use your air conditioner. 
 
 Click here for an interactive map. 
 
 Related Story: Puna Geothermal Venture deemed stable after lava covers two wells 
 
 Active lava fountain in Puna (courtesy: CNN) 
 
 Because lava has entered the ocean, be aware of laze hazard and stay away from any ocean plume. 
 
 Laze is when hot lava hits the ocean sending hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air. 
 
 This hot, corrosive gas mixture caused two deaths immediately adjacent to the coastal entry point in 2000, when seawater washed across recent and active lava flows. Laze can cause skin and eye irritation and breathing difficulties. 
 
 Also be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning. 
 
 The Coast Guard is enforcing a Lava Entry Safety Zone for the navigable waters surrounding active lava flow entries extending 300 meters in all directions. 
 
 The Hawaii Department of Transportation is lowering the speed limit on Highway 130, between Leilani Estates and Kamaili Road, to 25 miles per hour. This is a safety measure for everyone who drives over the steel plates installed over cracks caused by volcanic activity. 
 
 The Fire Department and HVO will be actively monitoring the flows by helicopter. 
 
 Residents of these areas are reminded to protect yourself from ash fallout by remaining indoors or by using dust masks. 
 
 Related Story: People evacuated by helicopter from neighborhood isolated by fast-moving lava 
 
 Civil Defense gives the following tips if you are in an area affected by ashfall. 
 
 If you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities. 
 
 If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving conditions. Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park. 
 
 After the hazard has passed, do check your home, and especially your catchment system for any impact that may affect your water quality. 
 
 Here are some tips on what to do if your catchment system is impacted by ashfall. 
 
 Due to the toxic gas hazard in the affected area, the following are issued: 
 
 Leaving the area of SO2 inundation is the best way to protect yourself and your family. 
 
 Seek medical attention if severely affected. 
 
 Related Link: University of Hawaii’s Vog Measurement and Prediction Project 
 
 Related Story: How to protect yourself from sulfur dioxide in vog, acid rain 
 
 Earthquake activity and ground deformation continue and additional outbreaks in the general area of Leilani Estates are expected. 
 
 According to the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the East Rift Zone intrusion and seismic activity appears to be moving downrift in a northeast direction. Hazardous fumes continue to be released from existing cracks and fissures. 
 
 The location of future outbreaks can't be predicted, but could include areas both uprift (southwest) and downrift (northeast) of the existing fissures, or resumption of activity at existing fissures. Communities downslope of these fissures could be at risk from lava inundation. 
 
 As a precautionary measure, residents of lower Puna, between Kapoho and Kalapana, are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Take this time to prepare. 
 
 Related Story: National Guard plans for mass evacuations should more eruptions occur 
 
 If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Keaau Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly. Click here for more information. 
 
 All beach parks in lower Puna have been closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. 
 
 Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is now closed. Officials say it's possible for a steam-induced explosion to occur at the summit of Kilauea Volcano due to the receding lava lake. 
 
 Should such an explosion occur, officials say the ensuing ash fall and southerly wind patterns would also create a public safety threat. 
 
 Related Story: Fear of steam-induced explosion prompts closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 
 
 Related Story: Closures due to Kilauea Volcano's latest eruption 
 
 Copyright 2018 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist examines cracks on Alaili Road on Tuesday, May 8. (Photo: USGS) 
 
 Copyright 2018 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist examines cracks on Alaili Road on Tuesday, May 8. (Photo: USGS) 
 
 Assistance for displaced residents 
 
 Leilani Estates residents will still be allowed to check on their property from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day until further notice, conditions permitting. Residents will be required to provide identification and proof of residency in the subdivision. 
 
 A Recovery Information and Assistance Center (RIAC) will be open at Pahoa Community Center, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can go there to register for entry placards if they wish to retrieve personal items. 
 
 "We've got to make sure we vet everybody as far as making sure that the actual residents or homeowners or renters are going in there and nothing else is happening," said Magno. 
 
 Want to donate? How you can help families displaced by lava 
 
 The Hawaii County Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office have established a policy of zero tolerance towards looting or vandalism. Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism will be treated as a felony. 
 
 Related Story: Pahoa man accused of looting several homes during lava-related evacuation 
 
 Officials urge all visitors to avoid the Leilani Estates area. Sightseeing is not allowed for safety reasons. 
 
 A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect. All aviation requests are administered by the Hawaii Fire Department. 
 
 Residents reflect on disaster 

 (CNN) Brandon Clement arrived in the Leilani Estates community on Hawaii's Big Island Sunday, hoping to witness the ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano. Officials had allowed evacuated residents return to check their homes. 
 
 Suddenly, he saw flames shoot up in the air, and a mound of lava started crawling toward a nearby home. 
 
 Clement, 38, of Terry, Mississippi, jumped out of his vehicle and banged on the doors of the home -- but the house appeared to be empty. 
 
 So he returned to his car, which was parked in the middle of the road, and turned on his dash camera. The lava moved down the hillside, slithered across a street and swallowed a Ford Mustang on the other side of the road. He captured it in a 30-second time-lapse video. 
 
 "It looked like the movie 'Blob,' but on fire," he said in interview Monday from Hawaii. 
 
 Read More 

 The flow of lava intensified Sunday from ongoing eruptions at Hawaii Island’s Kilauea volcano, and molten rock is pouring from fissures that opened overnight, farther from the original eruptions. 
 
 Twenty-six homes have now been destroyed, Hawaii County officials reported, as residential destruction rapidly accelerated Sunday. The community where the lava eruptions have been occurring, Leilani Estates remains at the greatest threat, but other areas in the region may come under risk as the eruption progresses, the U.S. Geological Survey said. 
 
 Toxic sulfur dioxide gas spewing near the fissures is at lethal concentrations, said USGS volcano scientist Wendy Stovall. Lava fountains emerging from the cracks in the ground are producing even more gas than previously observed. 
 
 The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Sunday afternoon that since the overnight hours, eruptions of lava from cracks in the ground have been continuous. A flow of lava has advanced northward for about 0.6 miles. 
 
 Residents have been evacuated from two remote, rural neighborhoods on the eastern edge of Hawaii Island where the lava is emerging from the fissures. An estimated 1,800 people live in the affected area, and many have sought housing in shelters, with friends or on surrounding islands. 
 
 “Scientists on the ground are reporting that lava flows are traveling through the forest, power lines are coming down, and a few explosions have been heard — likely from propane tanks or methane explosions,” Stovall said. 
 
 As lava inundates the heavily forested area, organic matter burns and releases methane. “That methane gas can get trapped in pockets beneath lava flows or underground, and explode out violently, throwing rocks and debris in every direction,” Stovall said. 
 
 Eruptions of lava fountains continued throughout the night. Because lava by Sunday morning was flowing farther than it did in the first days of the eruption, “that means the magma supply is still present and shows signs of continuing,” Stovall said. 
 
 By Sunday morning on Hawaii, the overall number of total cracks that have at one point spewed or sputtered lava had risen to 10. On Saturday night, a new crack erupted between fissures No. 2 and No. 7, spewing lava fountains as high as 230 feet. 
 
 The flows are still moving quite slowly, however — scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring them can walk away from the hot lava easily. On Sunday, a lava flow was moving away from Fissure No. 8 at significantly less than 1 mph, Stovall said. 
 
 A statement by the USGS volcano observatory said the lava flow northward from Fissure No. 8 began around 5 a.m. Sunday. Stovall said the lava flows were continuing from Fissure No. 8 Sunday evening. 
 
 Swetha Kannan / Los Angeles Times 
 
 Images posted by the USGS showed red hot lava rising higher than the tops of trees. Other photos showed cracks in the ground and lava pouring over the asphalt of rural roads. On Friday, lava spatter was being launched over power lines. 
 
 Local government officials said if conditions permit, residents in Leilani Estates would be allowed to enter the neighborhood to complete the evacuation of pets, medicine and key documents, but only during daylight hours. 
 
 Authorities warned that the air quality remained troublesome and that the roads were still under very unstable conditions, and residents could be required to leave the area if conditions became more hazardous. Another neighborhood, Lanipuna Gardens, remains under a mandatory evacuation order because of the high levels of toxic gases in the air. 
 
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 The volcanic instability at Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and Hawaii Island’s youngest, began on Monday underneath the eastern flank of the volcano, an area known as the East Rift Zone. 
 
 It was the collapse of a lava-filled crater in the East Rift Zone on Monday that set off last week’s eruption. The contents of the crater seeped into a network of underground channels and flowed downhill — and on Thursday started gushing out of cracks that had opened in Leilani Estates. 
 
 A webcam image Sunday morning shows Kilauea volcano's far eastern flank, known as the Lower East Rift Zone. U.S. Geological Survey 
 
 There have been more than 1,000 earthquakes over the last week in the area of Kilauea, produced by the volcano making room for new flows of magma occurring inside it. 
 
 The largest so far was a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit midday Friday in the zone of volcanic activity. Although the earthquake could be felt across much of the archipelago, the worst shaking occurred in an area with no neighborhoods or businesses. 
 
 It is not unheard of for strong earthquakes — even those bigger than magnitude 6.9 — to follow volcanic activity. As molten rock moved underground from the collapsed lava-filled crater in the East Rift Zone to a lower elevation, the moving magma increased pressure in the entire area, Stovall said. 
 
 When that pressure built up, the surface around that had to move — producing sudden earth movement on a fault plane that separates the ancient sea floor and Kilauea volcano. 
 
 Hawaii tourism officials emphasized that the volcano threat was limited to a remote region of eastern Hawaii Island and no flights to any airports in the state are being affected. 
 
 “The closest resort areas, in Kona and the Kohala Coast on the island of Hawaii’s west side, are more than 100 miles away from where the lava flow is occurring and shielded by the massive mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Resort areas located on Oahu and Kauai, and in Maui County, are located hundreds of miles from Kilauea volcano,” said a statement by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. 
 
 Times staff writer Lin reported from San Francisco and special correspondent Chang from Hilo. 
 
 ron.lin@latimes.com 
 
 @ronlin 
 
 UPDATES: 
 
 11:20 p.m.: This article was updated with news that lava flows were continuing from Fissure No. 8, and with Hawaii County officials saying 26 homes have now been destroyed. Leilani Estates remains at the greatest threat, but other areas in the region may come under risk as the eruption progresses, the U.S. Geological Survey said. 
 
 5:43 p.m.: This article was updated with news that 21 homes have been destroyed in the Hawaii lava flows. 
 
 4:10 p.m.: This article was updated to include news that a lava flow was moving away from Fissure No. 8 at significantly less than 1 mps, and that eruptions of lava from cracks in the ground have been continuous since Saturday night, and that a flow of lava has advanced northward for about 0.6 miles. 
 
 This article was originally published at 1:50 p.m. 

 Residents in Puna are being urged to be on alert after a series of earthquakes in Kilauea volcano's east rift zone, which may indicate an eruption is imminent. 
 
 Residents in Puna are being urged to be on alert after a series of earthquakes in Kilauea volcano's east rift zone, which may indicate an eruption is imminent. 
 
 Big Island County officials announced recently that certain areas of the island should prepare for a possible eruption — garnering mixed reactions from residents. 
 
 Big Island County officials announced recently that certain areas of the island should prepare for a possible eruption — garnering mixed reactions from residents. 
 
 'If Pele comes, Pele comes': Puna residents react to possible threat of Kilauea eruption 
 
 'If Pele comes, Pele comes': Puna residents react to possible threat of Kilauea eruption 
 
 A 5.4-magnitude quake rocked the Big Island on Friday morning as Kilauea eruptions continued, but some areas as far away as Oahu could feel the tremor. 
 
 A 5.4-magnitude quake rocked the Big Island on Friday morning as Kilauea eruptions continued, but some areas as far away as Oahu could feel the tremor. 
 
 2 large earthquakes at Kilauea felt as far away as Oahu 
 
 2 large earthquakes at Kilauea felt as far away as Oahu 
 
 The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is getting a number of calls from residents worried that seismic activity and a growing eruption on Hawaii Island could trigger a localized tsunami. 
 
 The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is getting a number of calls from residents worried that seismic activity and a growing eruption on Hawaii Island could trigger a localized tsunami. 
 
 Could the eruption on the Big Island trigger a localized tsunami? It did 
 
 Could the eruption on the Big Island trigger a localized tsunami? It did 
 
 It's not just spewing lava that's posing a threat in Puna's Leilani Estates, where a number of eruptions are threatening homes and roads. 
 
 It's not just spewing lava that's posing a threat in Puna's Leilani Estates, where a number of eruptions are threatening homes and roads. 
 
 With upwards of 200 Big Island residents staying overnight at public shelters, many were left wondering if or when they'd be let back into the Leilani estates subdivision. 
 
 With upwards of 200 Big Island residents staying overnight at public shelters, many were left wondering if or when they'd be let back into the Leilani estates subdivision. 
 
 Over the past few days, several fissures from the Kilauea volcano have been spewing lava onto streets, threatening homes and forcing the evacuations of some 1,700 residents in Puna. 
 
 Over the past few days, several fissures from the Kilauea volcano have been spewing lava onto streets, threatening homes and forcing the evacuations of some 1,700 residents in Puna. 
 
 How do you stop the flow of lava? (Most times, you don't) 
 
 How do you stop the flow of lava? (Most times, you don't) 
 
 On Thursday night, residents in Leilani Estates had minutes to flee eruptions that have now destroyed more than two dozen homes. 
 
 On Thursday night, residents in Leilani Estates had minutes to flee eruptions that have now destroyed more than two dozen homes. 
 
 'Puna strong': As lava crisis continues, community comes together to help their own 
 
 'Puna strong': As lava crisis continues, community comes together to help their own 
 
 John Moylan is one of several Leilani Estates residents who was able to return home to salvage what he left behind after officials issued an emergency evacuation on Thursday. 
 
 John Moylan is one of several Leilani Estates residents who was able to return home to salvage what he left behind after officials issued an emergency evacuation on Thursday. 
 
 An evacuee returns to his home for the first time — and then all he's lost sinks in 
 
 An evacuee returns to his home for the first time — and then all he's lost sinks in 
 
 With tears in his eyes, one Leilani Estates resident left his home — not knowing if he'd ever see it again. " 
 
 With tears in his eyes, one Leilani Estates resident left his home — not knowing if he'd ever see it again. " 
 
 After eruption, residents fled with little — and don't know what they're return home to 
 
 'Dashed dreams': As toll of lava grows, residents wonder how they'll pick up the pieces 
 
 Geologists have compared the seismic activity and eruption in Puna that's cutting through the Leilani Estates subdivision to an eruption in 1955. 
 
 Geologists have compared the seismic activity and eruption in Puna that's cutting through the Leilani Estates subdivision to an eruption in 1955. 
 
 Kilauea eruptions being compared to 1955 event that went on for months 
 
 Kilauea eruptions being compared to 1955 event that went on for months 
 
 Amid growing concerns that moving lava from the Kilauea volcano could reach the Puna Geothermal Venture, officials now say precautionary measures will be taken to remove flammable materials from the plant. 
 
 Amid growing concerns that moving lava from the Kilauea volcano could reach the Puna Geothermal Venture, officials now say precautionary measures will be taken to remove flammable materials from the plant. 
 
 Lawmakers are scrambling to find a solution to the housing crisis in Puna bought on by ongoing eruptions that have already destroyed 27 homes. 
 
 Lawmakers are scrambling to find a solution to the housing crisis in Puna bought on by ongoing eruptions that have already destroyed 27 homes. 
 
 Since eruptions started in Puna, hundreds have been forced to evacuate. (Image: Hawaii News Now) 
 
 Since eruptions started in Puna, hundreds have been forced to evacuate. (Image: Hawaii News Now) 
 
 During a call with reporters Friday on the ongoing volcanic activity in Puna, geologists dropped something of a bombshell. 
 
 During a call with reporters Friday on the ongoing volcanic activity in Puna, geologists dropped something of a bombshell. 
 
 Lava that's been spewing from the ground in Puna could be from a 1955 flow. (Image: Hawaii News Now) 
 
 Lava that's been spewing from the ground in Puna could be from a 1955 flow. (Image: Hawaii News Now) 
 
 Lava that's been spewing from the ground in Puna could be from a 1955 flow. (Image: Hawaii News Now) 
 
 Lava that's been spewing from the ground in Puna could be from a 1955 flow. (Image: Hawaii News Now) 
 
 The lava that's been erupting in Puna is likely from a 1955 flow 
 
 The lava that's been erupting in Puna is likely from a 1955 flow 
 
 As a result of the Kilauea Volcano eruption, a shelter has been opened for evacuated residents and other closures have been reported. 
 
 As a result of the Kilauea Volcano eruption, a shelter has been opened for evacuated residents and other closures have been reported. 
 
 Twenty active lava fissures have opened in Leilani Estates , where lava has destroyed dozens of homes and is threatening more. 
 
 Twenty active lava fissures have opened in Leilani Estates , where lava has destroyed dozens of homes and is threatening more. 
 
 Here's where all of the fissures in lower Puna have opened up 
 
 Here's where all of the fissures in lower Puna have opened up 
 
 This aerial image shows lava from one of the fissures that opened up from the Kilauea volcano (Image: Mick Kalber/Tropical Visions Video) 
 
 This aerial shot shows the 17th fissure, which was still active on Monday morning. (Image:USGS) 
 
 Eruptions on Kilauea's east rift zone have continued for more than a week. (Image: Hawaii News Now) 
 
 They just keep coming — eruptions, one after another, spewing out lava and toxic gas in parts of lower Puna where life has all but come to a standstill amid the fiery shows. 
 
 On Monday morning, Hawaii County Civil Defense officials confirmed a new fissure opened in the Lanipuna Gardens subdivision, between fissures 15 and 16. This is near Hinalo Road -- south of the Puna Geothermal Venture plant and west of Highway 132 on the Kalapana side. 
 
 The latest outbreak brings the total number of fissures to 19. 
 
 Also on Monday, officials said fissure no. 17, which opened over the weekend, was still active and continued emitting explosions of lava spatter more than 100 feet into the air. A narrow lava flow was slowly moving toward the ocean, about two miles away, but no homes or roads were threatened. 
 
 Fissure no. 18 was confirmed on Sunday evening and heightened fears about the possibility of a mass evacuation if the volcanic activity continues. Officials said the outbreak was between fissures no. 16 and 17, and was still active Monday morning, albeit weak. 
 
 About 8 p.m. Sunday, Pomai Kajiyama posted a video on Facebook showing a huge cloud of smoke emanating from this fissure. 
 
 "I'm out here in Kapoho, and there was just a huge explosion," Kajiyama said. 
 
 Earlier in the day, police went door-to-door on Halekamahina Loop Road, waking up area residents and telling them to evacuate after a 17th fissure opened up to the west — or Kalapana side — of Highway 132. 
 
 The USGS said aerial observations of the eruption indicated it was at least 1,000 feet long and producing lava spatter rising many tens of feet into the air. A slow-moving lava flow was moving away from the vent. 
 
 Meanwhile, Hawaii County Civil Defense said the 17th fissure claimed at least one structure. 
 
 Officials on Sunday also briefly shut down Highway 132, known locally as Pahoa-Kapoho Road, between the “Y” interchange where it turns into Pohoiki Road and Four Corners. It has since reopened to local traffic only. 
 
 Cracks along Highway 132 near Noni Farms Road have reportedly worsened considerably and are steaming, and authorities are concerned it could soon develop into the site of a 19th fissure. 
 
 The roadway is important because the route is meant to serve as the detour to the Kapoho and Kalapana areas. Residents there will now need to use Old Government Road or Beach Road to get out of their communities. 
 
 "In the military we like to have two ways to exit out of a dangerous situation," said Maj. Jeff Hickman, public affairs officer with the Hawaii National Guard. "If that road does get cut off, we do start to plan for a mass evacuation. It is a dangerous situation. We're trying to plan for the worst." 
 
 Amid all of the outbreaks, authorities have repeatedly urged thousands living in Kilauea's east rift zone to be prepared to evacuate quickly. 
 
 A presidential disaster declaration has been issued for the ongoing Kilauea eruptions, which have changed the landscape of a Big Island community, destroyed and damaged homes and infrastructure and forced hundreds to evacuate. So far: 
 
 Some 37 structures have been destroyed, including 27 homes. 
 
 Lava has covered more than 117 acres of land. 
 
 At least nine roads are now impassable. 
 
 As many as 50 utility poles have been damaged by the lava, and hundreds have been without power since the eruptions started. 
 
 The newest eruptions come on the heels of another one Saturday. 
 
 The 16th fissure was reported on Saturday morning, breaking out about a mile east of the Puna Geothermal Venture plant. Volcanic activity was also reported about 100 meters below no. 16, but authorities said it was not a fissure because no active lava erupted from it. 
 
 After the 16th outbreak was confirmed, officials ordered vacation rentals to cease operations in the area immediately — though it was no immediately clear how many visitors remained in the area. 
 
 Authorities also urged residents to take action now to be prepared to flee. That message got through to many. 
 
 "I think everybody recognizes that the lava outbreak is purely unpredictable," said resident David Ellis. "I think our greatest danger is being cut off when Highway 132 is closed, and that should be soon, from everything that I hear." 
 
 He added, "We assume the worst, and hope for the best. 
 
 Residents of lower Puna are also being told they can leave voluntarily and stay in one of two shelters at Pahoa and Keaau community centers. Mandatory evacuations, meanwhile, remain in place for the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions, home to about 2,000 people. 
 
 "We still have a highly active volcano here at Kilauea," said Tina Neal, USGS scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 
 
 She added that there are growing fears that "hotter, fresher" magma could be making its way downslope. Eruptions of fresher lava would increase the risk of fountains and more significant flows, she said. 
 
 It's been more than a week since the first eruption started at Kilauea's east rift zone, and scientists say there's no telling when the volcanic activity will end. 
 
 In addition to lava, hazardous fumes continue to pour from fissures in Puna that stretch over nearly 3 miles. 
 
 And at the summit of Kilauea, scientists continue to warn residents and visitors about the threat of explosive eruptions that could fling boulders "the size of cows" over a half a mile from Halemaumau Crater. 
 
 That's why officials closed most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Friday, and also issued new warnings to residents who live near the summit about how to handle ashfall. It's unclear when the park, one of the state's most popular tourist destinations, will reopen. 
 
 On Saturday, USGS officials reported that a vigorous plume of steam and varying amounts of ash was rising from the overlook vent at Kilauea's summit. Depending on wind conditions, ash may spread in the Kilauea summit area and downwind, according to officials. 
 
 The governor, who toured lava-ravaged Leilani Estates last week, was expected to return to the Big Island on Monday to get the latest on the situation. 
 
 "It certainly is heartbreaking to see the homes and the families who have lost everything," Ige said, while visiting an information and donation center set up by residents in Pahoa. "We just want to keep everyone safe and continue to look at what we can continue to do to prepare. 
 
 More than 500 people and dozens of pets remain in American Red Cross shelters. Hundreds more are staying with friends and family. 
 
 Authorities are scrambling to find more long-term housing options for evacuees, while also raising concerns about what would happen if evacuations greatly increase. 
 
 Evacuees say with each day, the situation becomes more difficult. 
 
 "It’s kind of challenging living with a bunch of people and dogs. Everybody is on edge," one evacuee said. 
 
 Another evacuee added, "It's been very humbling, but we've had to adapt, trying to make the best of the situation. It's not easy." 
 
 While earthquake activity continues on Big Island, the frequency of tremors has dialed back — though a 3.5 -magnitude quake did rattle the island on Saturday morning. 
 
 None of the tremors, though, have been as strong as the 6.9-magnitude quake that hit Hawaii Island on Friday afternoon, just an hour after another sizable quake. The tremor was the largest in Hawaii since 1975 and generated small tsunami waves around the Big Island. 
 
 The temblor, centered on the south flank of Kilauea, was felt as far away as Oahu and also triggered several landslides along the Hamakua Coast, including one that closed a lane for several hours. 
 
 The first eruption in Leilani Estates started May 3 and had ended by about 6:30 p.m., after creating a fissure that sent lava soaring as high as 125 feet into the air. 
 
 Shortly after the eruptions started, the governor activated the Hawaii National Guard and issued an emergency disaster proclamation. 
 
 Puna residents fled their homes with few belongings — just what they could collect in the minutes they had to leave, as officers went door-to-door to ensure everyone got out. One resident said he grabbed his father's ashes as he ran out the door. 
 
 "My family is safe, the rest of the stuff can be replaced," another resident said. "When I bought here 14 years ago, I knew that this day would eventually come. But the reality is sinking in now." 
 
 Some residents seemed in disbelief at what they were seeing in their own backyards. In social media posts, they documented lava sputtering up from cracks in the roadway and then angrily boiling up higher and higher. 
 
 The first signs of trouble in Leilani Estates, though, were apparent around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, when residents reported plumes of smoke spewing from cracks in the road. 
 
 MORE: 
 
 ► 'Puna strong': As lava crisis continues, community comes together to help their own 
 
 ► How do you stop the flow of lava? (Most times, you don't) 
 
 ► Quake that shook Big Island was biggest in Hawaii since 1975 
 
 ► LIST: Shelter opens, schools closed as a result of lava threat at Kilauea 
 
 ► Kilauea eruptions being compared to 1955 event that went on for months 
 
 ► After eruption, residents fled with little — and didn't know what they'd return home to 
 
 Authorities have compared the newest eruption of Kilauea along the south rift zone to an eruption in February 1955, in which at least 24 separate volcanic vents opened up and lava covered about 3,900 acres. 
 
 Back then, coastal communities from Kalapana to Kapoho were evacuated and "sections of every public road to the coastline were buried by lava" before the eruption abruptly stopped in May 1955. 
 
 The last time lava threatened Puna was in 2014, when a flow closed roads for weeks in Pahoa, forced evacuations and claimed several structures, including one home. 
 
 This story will be updated. 
 
 Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
– Lava continues to flow on Hawaii's Big Island after the eruption of the Kilauea volcano, destroying dozens of homes so far. A new video shows how terrifying it can be, albeit very slowly terrifying (an expert told the Los Angeles Times over the weekend that lava was flowing away from one fissure at "significantly less" than 1mph). The video, shot by Mississippi natural disaster chaser Brandon Clement on Sunday, shows lava slowly crossing a road in the Leilani Estates community and then engulfing a Ford Mustang on the other side. "It looked like the movie [The] Blob, but on fire," he tells CNN. He watched the lava build up behind a gate, eventually forcing it open, before taking about 10 minutes to cross the 20-foot-wide street. He estimates it moved 300 feet in 35 minutes. As of early Tuesday, a dozen fissures, or lava vents, had opened in the area, and lava had destroyed 35 structures, the AP reports. Gov. David Ige has called the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to inform officials he believes Hawaii will require federal help. KHON reports volcanic activity has slowed and lava is no longer coming from the fissures, but officials say the danger hasn't passed yet. "This is not over," a USGS geologist tells Hawaii News Now. "There's still magma within the rift zone. In the foreseeable future, this eruption is likely to continue."