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

ERUPTION UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

Low-level eruption of lava continues from multiple points along the northeast end of the active fissure system, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says.

At 10:40 a.m., USGS wrote:

Spattering continues from Fissure 17 but the lava flow erupted from the fissure has not advanced significantly over the past day.

HVO field crews are on site tracking the lava flow and spattering from multiple fissures as conditions allow and reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defense.

For the most recent map showing the locations of activity, please see these maps. These maps are updated as often as possible but may not reflect the most recent changes.

Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents. Weak winds today means that other areas of Hawaii Island may experience varying levels of vog. For forecast information, please see this website.

For other information about vog, please see this site.

This eruption is still evolving and additional outbreaks of lava are possible. Ground deformation continues and seismicity remains elevated in the area.

Future outbreaks could occur both uprift (southwest) and downrift (northeast) of the existing fissures, or, existing fissures can be reactivated. Communities downslope of these fissures could be at risk from lava inundation. Activity can change rapidly.

Summit:

There was an explosive eruption of ash this morning. Additional explosions possible at any time, scientists say.

At 10:40 a.m., USGS wrote:

Just after 4 am this morning, an explosion or series of explosions from the Overlook vent within Halemaumau crater at Kilauea Volcano’s summit produced a volcanic cloud that reached as high as 30,000 ft asl based on NWS radar information. The cloud drifted generally northeast and traces of ash fell with rain in the Volcano Golf Course, Volcano Village, and other areas immediately around the Kilauea summit.

At this time, based on HVO web cameras, a robust plume of gas, steam, and some ash is billowing out of the Overlook vent and drifting generally southwest.

At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles very near the vent. Communities downwind should be prepared for ashfall as long as this activity continues.

Resources on volcanic ash hazards and preparedness information: at USGS OR IVHHN.

EVACUATION UPDATE

Lower East Rift Zone:

According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, elevated SO2 levels remain a concern for residents throughout Puna, Pahoa and areas downwind of the summit.

• Volcanic gas, such as SO2, is especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.
• People in areas downwind of rifts may intermittently experience ORANGE and RED air quality conditions today.

Civil Defense explained the color codes today:

• Air Quality Condition BLUE means little or no risk to healthy people. Those with breathing issues may feel some small effects and should avoid exposure.
• Air Quality Condition ORANGE means people with breathing problems may experience some health effects and should avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors. The general public may experience minor breathing issues.
• Air Quality Condition RED means severe and immediate danger to health so everyone should limit further exposure. This includes remaining indoors and/or leaving the area. These conditions may cause symptoms such as eye and nose irritation, choking and inability to breath.

Summit:

Due to the continued ash activity at Halemaumau, civil defense advises the following policies are in effect:

• The danger from this eruption is ash fallout. The major response is to protect yourself from fallout.
• If you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities.
• If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving conditions. Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park.
• After the hazard is passed, check your home if safe to do so, and especially your catchment system, for any impact that may affect your water quality.

Free masks are being distributed today until 7 p.m. at the Cooper Center in Volcano, Pahala Community Center, Naalehu Community Center, and Shipman Park Pavilion in Kea’au.

“One mask per family member will help to assure that supplies are adequate to accommodate all our ‘Ohana,” civil defense said. “Masks do NOT protect against gases and vapors. They will only provide filtering for ash. Mahalo 3M for the donation of masks, the Red Cross for distribution support and Community Emergency Response Teams.”

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.

Summit:

• Highway 11 is open.