One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea in Hawaii, erupted again with lava fountains reaching over 200 feet and a plume of toxic gas rising above the state. The eruption began around 2 a.m., and officials warned that it could continue for a while. While there were no immediate threats to infrastructure, the eruption was expected to create high levels of volcanic smog, or “vog,” in areas south and west of the volcano. Residents were advised to stay indoors to avoid exposure to the harmful gases.
Lava fountains as high as 262 feet were observed, with molten material being ejected from the crater’s floor. By 5:30 a.m., 400 acres of the caldera floor were covered in lava. Kilauea has been erupting since 1983, with its most recent eruptions occurring in June and September. A previous eruption in 2018 destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands to flee the area.
The volcano is located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The eruption was monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey and head scientist Ken Hon, who warned of the potential dangers posed by the volcanic activity. NBC News Digital breaking news reporter Tim Stelloh reported on the eruption, with contributions from Dana Griffin.
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