While a lava breakout along the north margin of the June 27 lava flow has not advanced this week, activity persists upslope, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Thursday morning. ADVERTISING While a lava breakout along the north margin of the
While a lava breakout along the north margin of the June 27 lava flow has not advanced this week, activity persists upslope, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Thursday morning.
The breakout, located about 1 mile upslope of Highway 130 in Pahoa, also continues to widen, Civil Defense officials said following a morning helicopter overflight of the flow. The breakout last advanced about 20 yards toward the northeast between Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, the June 27 lava flow’s leading edge remains stalled about 0.36 miles upslope of Highway 130 in Pahoa. Though the front is no longer advancing, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said active breakouts persist several hundred yards upslope of the stalled front.
Activity also continues closer to Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent where a new breakout was observed pulling away from the upper June 27 lava tube on the vent’s north flank, as well as about 2 miles northeast of the vent near the forest boundary. Scattered activity also continues west of Kaohe Homesteads, the scientists said.
Civil Defense said these breakouts along both margins indicate lava continues to be supplied downslope. None of the lava activity currently poses an immediate threat to area communities, however.
Smoke conditions were reported as light with a light southwest wind blowing the smoke toward the northeast. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and individuals who may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors.
