This USGS map shows the locations of fissures and an ‘a’ā flow erupted since May 3 in the order that they occurred in Leilani Estates as of 5:30 p.m. HST, May 9. Note the area of heavy steaming from ground cracks that began earlier this afternoon, located west of Highway 130. The purple areas are lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – Here is the latest from Hawaii County Civil Defense at 6 p.m., supplemented by multi-media and updates from other agencies.

Eruption update:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirmed hazardous fumes continue to be released but no volcanic activity is present at this time. So far in this eruption, 15 fissures have opened, covering 117 acres and destroying 36 structures. According to HVO at 6:51 p.m.:

While no lava was noted erupting today from any of the 15 fissure vents formed thus far, earthquake activity, ground deformation, and continuing high emission rates of sulphur dioxide indicate additional outbreaks of lava are likely. The location of future outbreaks is not known with certainty, but could include areas both uprift (southwest) and downrift (northeast) of the existing fissures, or resumption of activity at existing fissures.

Earthquake activity was high in the area today. Continuing ground deformation and located earthquakes were mostly in the area around and northeast of Fissure 15 at Pohoiki Road indicating that the intrusion is migrating further to the northeast. Steaming ground cracks in the vicinity of Highway 130 continue.

Evacuation Update:

Conditions permitting, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to check on their property from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day until further notice. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice, civil defense says.

Civil Defense Recovery Information and Assistance Center (RIAC) at the Sacred Hearts Church in Pāhoa, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Road Status Update:

Highway 130 is closed between Malama Street and Kamaili Road.

Pohoiki Road is closed from Highway 132 to 137 due to cracks in the road.

No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens due to dangerous volcanic gases.

Service/Utilities/Agency Update:

Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) has completed the removal of all pentane gas offsite to Shipman Industrial Park.

The Kalapana Transfer Station is closed until further notice. The Pāhoa Transfer Station on Apaa Street is open 7 days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hawai‘i Electric Light reminds residents to treat all downed lines as live. Under no circumstances are you to approach or touch downed lines.

Emergency water restrictions for the Pohoiki, Vacationland and Kapoho area are still in effect while personnel work to restore service. Water spigots installed near the entrance of Lava Tree State Park and a water tanker in Vacationland are still available for the public to access.

United States Postal Service announced that evacuated residents can pick up their mail at the Pāhoa Post Office.

The Hawai‘i County Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office have established a policy of zero tolerance towards looting or vandalism. Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism will be treated as a felony.

Contact the Humane Society for animal information.

Community Message/Alerts:

Four charter schools on Hawaiʻi Island will be closed tomorrow, Friday, May 11, due to the volcanic and seismic activity. They are:

• Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School (PCS)
• Kua o ka Lā New Century PCS
• Nā Wai Ola PCS
• Volcano School of Arts and Sciences

The Pre-k class at Ka ʻUmeke Kaʻeo PCS will also be closed tomorrow. All other classes at Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo remain in session.

“The evacuated residents are going through a very difficult time. We ask for your help and understanding,” Civil Defense stated. “County, State and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.”