Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts, spewing out a column of lava

One of the world’s most active volcanoes became active again on Monday, spewing a column of lava 80 meters (260 feet) above Hawaii, US volcanologists said.

Images show a huge crack in the caldera of Hawaii’s Kilauea, sending jets of lava into the air.

According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the eruption began in the southwest part of the caldera just after 2 a.m. local time (12 a.m. Japan time).

“At 4:30 a.m., an 80-meter (262-foot) high lava fountain was observed,” the agency said in a statement.

“Molten material, including lava bombs, is spewing out from vents on the caldera floor to the west caldera rim.”

The eruption also sent material far into the atmosphere.

“The plume of volcanic gases and fine volcanic particles has reached altitudes of 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level and is being carried southwest by winds.”

“The eruption is occurring within a closed area” in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the observatory said, adding that lava flows “are currently confined to Halemaumau and the eastern portion of Kilauea caldera.”

However, he warned that the sulfur dioxide produced by the cracks could react with other gases in the atmosphere.

So-called vog (volcanic smog) can affect not only crops but also people and animals.

Kilauea Volcano has been very active since 1983, erupting relatively regularly, most recently in September.

It is one of six active volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands and also includes Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano.

Kilauea is much smaller than nearby Mauna Loa, but far more active and regularly surprises helicopter-borne tourists who come to see its heated show.

© 2024 AFP