The June 27 lava flow remains active, however, it has not advanced since 6:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense. It is currently approximately 160 yards or approximately 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road and about a half-mile from Highway 130.
The June 27 lava flow remains active, however, it has not advanced since 6:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense. It is currently approximately 160 yards or approximately 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road and about a half-mile from Highway 130.
The flow front is about 60 yards wide. A new breakout located upslope and on the northern side of the flow front is advancing in a northeast direction and will be monitored closely.
Smoke conditions continue to be moderate with moderate trade winds from the northeast pushing the smoke in a south southwest direction. A variety of materials are currently burning and smoke conditions may increase in some areas. Residents downwind that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors. Additional health advisories may be issued depending upon materials involved with any fires associated with the lava flow.
Based on the current flow location, direction and advancement, residents in the flow path were placed on an evacuation advisory and notified of possible need for evacuation. The evacuation advisory for those residents down slope of the flow will continue and residents will be kept informed of the flow status and advancement.
Pahoa Village Road, between Apaa Street and the Post Office Road, remains closed with access limited to area residents only. Civil Defense and public safety personnel will be operating in the area round the clock to maintain close observations of flow activity.
The American Red Cross earlier this week opened a shelter at Sure Foundation Church in East Hawaii for residents evacuated from their homes because of the lava flow in Pahoa. The church is located at 16-1592 Pohaku Circle in Keeau, according to the American Red Cross Hawaii State Chapter.
Salvation Army personnel on Hawaii Island are also mobilizing to respond to the lava flow that Hawaii County Civil Defense officials are predicting will cross the main highway in the coming days.
“The Salvation Army is part of a team of agencies providing assistance during this pending event and working closely with both the State of Hawaii Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the East Hawaii Island VOAD,” said Major Mark Gilden, Divisional Secretary for Business for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “At this point, we anticipate The Salvation Army will be providing displaced residents, emergency management workers and volunteers with food and water, overseeing a planned temporary storage area for personal property, and facilitating emergency donations. In addition, our mobile canteen is on standby for use on the island.”
The public is encouraged to support the emergency disaster services efforts via monetary donations by clicking here or by calling The Salvation Army at 988-2136. Pahoa area residents in need are encouraged to contact The Salvation Army’s Hilo Corps Office at 935-1277.