USGS: Main map shows the location of fissure 16, as well as earlier fissures, lava flows, and steaming areas, as of 12:00 p.m. HST, May 12. Inset map shows fissures in Leilani Estates in the order they occurred since May 3. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – Here is the latest information collected from different agencies, supplemented by multi-media.

ERUPTION UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

As on noon on Saturday, emergency officials report fissure 16 is venting lava spatter about a mile below the Puna Geothermal Venture property and a mile west, or Kalapana side, of highway 132. No residences are affected at this time, and no lava flow has been generated, civil defense says.

According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:

Minor spattering activity has been reported from a new fissure (16) that has opened about 0645 this morning about 1 mile northeast of fissure 15 at the northeast end of the existing vent system. No significant lava flow from this new fissure has been reported or observed at this time, but conditions could change quickly. Elevated earthquake activity and ground deformation continue and additional outbreaks in the area remain likely.

Summit:

An explosive eruption at Halema’uma’u Crater is possible, officials say. This could generate dangerous debris very near the crater (less than one mile away) and ashfalls up to tens of miles downwind.

According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:

Deflationary tilt at the summit of the volcano continues and seismicity remains elevated. This morning, a steady, vigorous plume of steam and variable amounts of ash is rising from the Overlook vent. Occasional rockfalls into the deep vent will produce intermittent pulses of slightly more vigorous ash emissions. Depending on wind conditions, dustings of ash may occur in the Kilauea summit area and downwind. More energetic ash emissions are possible if explosive activity commences. This morning’s trade winds are carrying the plume and ash to the southwest of the Kilauea summit. Trade wind conditions are expected to continue according to current forecasts.

A newly organized informational website about ash hazards, gas hazards, and the Lower East Rift Zone eruption can be found here.

EVACUATION UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

As a precautionary measure, residents of lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana, are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. “Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice,” civil defense says. “Take this time to prepare.”

All beach parks in Lower Puna have been closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

“If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center are open,” civil defense stated. “Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly. This is a precautionary message. We want everyone in the Lower Puna area to be ready, and to remain safe.”

Effective immediately, the County of Hawai’i Civil Defense Agency directs all vacation rental owners and operators in Lower Puna to cease operations. This directive is to enable emergency operations to focus on residents who live in the area, the county says.

• The Lower Puna restricted area encompasses the area accessed by Highway 132 from Leilani Estates to Kapoho, Highway 137 from Kapoho to Kalapana, and Highway 130 from Pahoa to Pohoiki, including Black Sands Beach Subdivision.
• Current vacation renters in this restricted area should find alternative accommodations outside the restricted area as soon as possible.
• Until further notice, visitors who have vacation rental reservations in the restricted area should find alternative accommodations.
• This directive is issued to owners and operators of vacation rentals within the restricted area, online advertisers of vacation rentals, current vacation renters in the area, and vacation renters with reservations.

“We welcome visitors to tour our Island,” county officials say, “and appreciate your understanding of this emergency situation. We hope you will be able to safely enjoy the many other accommodations and attractions on our Island.”

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.

As of midnight, the Hawaii Red Cross says there were about 340 residents at the Pahoa shelter and about 40 residents at the Keaau shelter. Nearly 80 Red Cross workers have been assisting evacuees with their immediate emergency needs.

Summit:

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is now closed until further notice, due to the possibility of a steam-induced explosion at the summit of Kīlauea following the drop of the lava lake.

At the request of the park, the FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that extends 20,000 feet AGL and a 12 nautical mile radius around the summit of Kīlauea.

ROAD STATUS

Lower East Rift Zone:

• Highway 130 is closed between Malama Street and Kamaili Road.
• Pohoiki Road is closed.
• Highway 132 remains open.

SERVICE UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

• Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) has completed the removal of all pentane gas.
• 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, officials say.
• 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.
• Hawaii Police Department is also enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restriction for lower Puna area. No helicopter or drone activity is allowed without approval.
• Contact the Humane Society for animal information.

Summit:

• The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Post Office has closed, mail pick up for area residents is at Volcano Village Post Office.

COMMUNITY MESSAGES

“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.”