June 27 lava flow advances 225 yards

The leading edge of the June 27 lava flow advanced approximately 225 yards between Monday and Tuesday morning, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira says.

The flow front was about 2.2 to 2.3 miles upslope of the Highway 130-Pahoa Village Road intersection, Oliveira said. The flow was moving toward the northeast and showing signs of widening. It currently is about 150 to 200 yards wide.

The leading edge is currently within a corridor where two paths of steepest descent nearly converge, Oliveira said.

One of the paths would take the lava toward the intersection, which is where Malama Market is located. The other path would take the lava toward Ainaloa, however, that path does veer east before reaching the area.

Because the two paths parallel one another for about a quarter mile, he said officials are not yet able to tell which path the lava will take. The lava entered the area on Monday.

U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geologist Janet Babb said Tuesday that HVO will have a better idea of what path the lava might take following an overflight that was underway as of 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Upslope of the flow front, numerous breakouts continue along the flow pad.

“It’s still at a distance that’s not requiring or posing any immediate threat or any other further action other than maintaining that situation of awareness,” Oliveira summarized.

There is currently no threat of brush fire thanks to continuing rain in the area. Smoke conditions were reported as light to moderate with smoke from burning vegetation being blown toward the Ainaloa, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland, Keaau and Hilo areas. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take precautions and to remain indoors.