HILO — Hawaii County Civil Defense has confirmed that two new volcanic fissures have opened in Leilani Estates, bringing the total number of fissures up to 14.
All Lanipuna residents must evacuate now, Hawaii County Civil Defense said Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. Residents are to evacuate toward the ocean Isaac Hale Beach Park.
Both fissures opened Tuesday afternoon. The thirteenth fissure opened near the intersection of Leilani Avenue and Kahukai Street, near where the fifth fissure opened last week.
The fourteenth fissure opened between Kaupili and Hookupu Streets, not far from the site of the third fissure.
At least one residence near the thirteenth fissure caught fire Tuesday afternoon. The total number of damaged structures is currently unknown, but was 35 Tuesday morning.
The previous 12 fissures have remained inactive since Monday evening.