image of Fissure 21 by Andrew Hara

(BIVN) – A new fissure, number 21, has emerged down rift of Makamae Street in Leilani Estates.

Hawaii County Civil Defense says several fissures have reactivated, and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports lava is pahoehoe. Flows have been generated.

Due to the continued volcanic activity, civil defense says the following policies are in effect:

• Residents in Leilani Subdivision need to be aware of this new activity and flows and take necessary precautions.
• Be aware of possible additional hazards with utility lines and poles obstructing roadways and avoid all downed wires.
• Do continue to be on the alert for volcanic fumes of SO2.

UPDATE (5:30 p.m.) – At 4:54 p.m., the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory had this update on the ongoing activity:

This afternoon, fissure 17 is still actively spattering but the flow is nearly stalled. In addition, fissures 18, 19, and 20 have reactivated and a new fissure (21) has opened between fissures 7 and 3. An area 50-100 yards wide, parallel to and north of the line of fissures between Highway 130 and Lanipuna Gardens, has dropped slightly. This long depression is currently being filled by pahoehoe lava flows from fissures 20 and 21.

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 residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time,” civil defense said. “We ask for your help and understanding.”