UPDATE (7:30 a.m.) – Officials report a new fissure in Lanipuna Gardens between fissure 15 & 16 at this time. no sightseeing allowed in the area, Civil Defense says. Lanipuna residents: be alert to gas emissions & active eruption.

(BIVN) – After a night of lava fountaining, fissure 17 continues to be active. This morning, Hawaii County Civil Defense says a “narrow lava flow has been generated and is slowly moving toward the ocean, which is about two miles away.”

There are no homes or roads threatened at this time, civil defense says.

Puna residents heard the explosions for miles around the fissure Sunday night, as spatter bombs were launched hundreds of feet into the air. Scientists with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory last night reported several advancing lava flow lobes moving generally northeast from fissure 17 at the northeast end, or downrift, of the new fissure system.

As of about 7 pm, one lobe was 2 yards thick and advancing roughly parallel to Highway 132. The flow front was just over a half mile southeast of the intersection of Highway 132 and Noni Farms Road, scientists reported.

This morning, civil defense reported lava was heading in the direction of the sea. Emergency officials had these updates:

• Keonepoko Elementary, Pahoa High, Intermediate and Elementary Schools are open. Normal school bus routes are operating today.
• Highway 132 is closed at Pohoiki Road intersection and a checkpoint is located on Highway 130 by Pahoa High School.
• Only local traffic allowed beyond all roadblocks.

Two American Red Cross shelters remain open for residents evacuated from their homes due to the Kilauea lava threat at the following locations:

• Pahoa Community Center (15-3022 Kauhale Street, Pāhoa, HI 96778)
• Keaau Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St, Keaau, HI 96749)

“As of midnight, there were about 484 residents at the Pahoa shelter and 25 residents at the Keaau shelter,” the American Red Cross of Hawaii reported. “82 Red Cross workers have been assisting evacuees with their immediate emergency needs.”

Yesterday, the Red Cross hosted an event for Mothers staying at the Pahoa and Keeau shelters. “The event included lunch, desserts, entertainment, chair massage, Mother’s Day card making, lei, and gift bags,” Red Corss officials said. “An estimated 250 people attended, including about 150 Mothers from the Pahoa shelter. About 40 residents at the Keeau shelter were also treated to massage, treats, flowers, and gifts.”

“During this time of uncertainty and hardship in having to evacuate their homes and stay in a shelter, we wanted our Mothers to know that they are loved and appreciated,” said Coralie Matayoshi, Hawaii Red Cross CEO.

“Mahalo to Ahiu Hawaii, Hawaii Land Stewards, Kalalau Ranch, doTERRA, Healing Hands Foundation, and Paradise Automotive for sponsoring the lunch, massage, gift bags, and entertainment. Zippy’s Napoleon Bakery, KTA Superstores, Big Island Candies, and Island Naturals are donating desserts, and Target has leis for these special Moms,” Red Cross said.