(USGS MAP) Map shows the location of the lava flow spreading from fissure 17 as of 7:00 a.m. HST, May 16. The flow is following a path of steepest descent (blue line) south of a 1955 ‘a’ā flow. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – Volcanic activity within Leilani Estates subdivision and the lower East Rift continues “at a diminished rate”, Hawaii County Civil Defense reports, and no flows are active.

Heavy de-gassing is occurring at each vent, officials say.

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

ERUPTION UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

At 4:47 p.m., the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory wrote:

This afternoon, eruptive activity remained concentrated at fissure 17 but the spattering was decreasing in vigor. The advance of the flow has slowed significantly since yesterday afternoon; the flow remains nearly 2.5 km (1.5 mi) in length.

Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the fissures.

Magma continues to be supplied to the lower East Rift Zone as indicated by the continued northwest displacement of a GPS monitoring station. Elevated earthquake activity continues, but earthquake locations have not moved farther downrift in the past couple of days.

The Hawai‘i Fire Department reports air quality condition RED in areas around Lanipuna Gardens and surrounding farm lots on Pohoiki Road.

Condition RED means:

• Immediate danger to health so take action to limit further exposure.
• Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas from fissures are especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.

Summit:

Again, at 4:47 p.m., the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory wrote:

Ash emission from the Overlook crater within Halema`uma`u has generally decreased since yesterday. Although varying in intensity, at times the plume contains enough ash to be gray in color. The cloud is rising an estimated 3 to 4,000 feet above the ground, but altitudes are varying with pulses of emission. The ash cloud is drifting slowly northward from the Kilauea summit and ashfall may occur in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Volcano Village. Communities downwind may receive ashfall and should take necessary precautions.

Several magnitude 3 or stronger earthquakes occurred beneath the summit today. The earthquakes were at shallow depth and resulted in cracks in Highway 11 near the entrance to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Some facilities within the National Park were damaged as well. The explosive eruption of 1924 at the Kilauea summit was also marked by hundreds of felt earthquakes as magma drained from the caldera.

EVACUATION UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

An additional American Red Cross shelter has been opened at the Sure Foundation Church on 16-1592 Pohaku Cir, Keaau.

Summit:

Most of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been closed since Friday, May 11 due to ongoing seismic activity, summit deflation, and a possible steam explosion at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.

ROAD STATUS

Lower East Rift Zone:

• All highways are open. Local traffic only beyond checkpoints at Highway 130 by Pahoa High School, and Highway 132 at Pohoiki Road intersection.
• Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory advises everyone to be on alert as Volcanic gas is traveling downwind to Lower Puna, Volcano Village and surrounding areas. Be on alert for light ashfall and possible hazardous conditions across Ka‘u, Puna, and Hilo Districts

Summit:

• Highway 11 near the entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open at this time, although the road has suffered minor cracking.

SERVICE UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

• An emergency water restriction is in effect for the Kapoho to Pohoiki area until further notice.
• The U.S. Postal Service reports that mail delivery has been temporarily suspended to the following neighborhoods in the Puna area of Hawaii island: Leilani Estates, Lanipuna Gardens, Pahoa-Kapoho Road, Papaya Farms, Vacationland, Kapoho Beach, Kapoho-Kalapana Road, Seaview, Puna Palisades, Kehena, Kalapana Shores, Uncle Roberts, Kalapana-Pahoa Road, Chain of Craters Road and Black Sands. Residents of these areas are asked to pick up their mail from the Pahoa Post Office at 15-2859 Pahoa Village Road.

COMMUNITY MESSAGES

“The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time,” Hawaii County Civil Defense said. “We ask for your help and understanding. We are on watch 24-hours a day for your safety.”