(USGS MAP) Map as of 11:00 a.m. HST, May 22. The flow field has not expanded significantly during the past day because most of erupted lava moved southward through the active lava channels and into the ocean. Note a new lava flow that was observed during this morning’s overflight west of the active channels (see label). There was a single ocean entry this morning. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – Here is the latest information on the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano from emergency officials and scientists.

At 6 a.m., Hawaii County Civil Defense issued the following message:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports eruption activity continues in the Lower East Rift Zone. County, state, and federal partners are working together to monitor the situation at Puna Geothermal Venture.

Government departments alongside PGV will continue to work on the wells.

Hawaii County Fire Department, state Department of Health, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continue to monitor the air quality in the Lower East Rift Zone.

County of Hawaii, American Red Cross, and other agencies continue to ensure pet-friendly shelters are open and support services are available if residents need to leave their homes.

To sign up for alerts, visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency’s website.

We are on watch 24-hours a day for your safety.

At 6:05 a.m., the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory stated:

Kīlauea Volcano Lower East Rift Zone

Eruption of lava and ground cracking continues in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivision.

The middle portion of the fissure system continues to produce the most robust eruptive activity in the Lower East Rift Zone. The most active fissures have been 22,19, 6, 5, and 23. A faint glow was seen from Fissure 9, but no flows, and methane was observed burning in road cracks overnight. The ocean entry remains active and is producing occasional small explosions. Observers noted the height of the perched lava pond / channel had reached 11 meters / 36 feet above the ground level.

Lava is probably still entering the ocean. Although we can’t get visual confirmation until after dawn, instrumental signals are consistent with continuing ocean entry activity.

Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from these fissure eruptions.

For recent maps of activity, see: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava are possible in the area. Residents downslope of the region of fissures should heed all Hawaii County Civil Defense messages and warnings.

Magma continues to be supplied to the lower East Rift Zone. Elevated earthquake activity continues, but earthquake locations have not moved farther downrift in the past couple of days, and there were only a few earthquakes located yesterday in the rift zone.

USGS/HVO continues to monitor the lower East Rift Zone activity 24/7 in coordination with Hawaii County Civil Defense, with geologists onsite to track ongoing and new fissure activity and the advance of lava flows.

Kīlauea Volcano Summit

Small ash emissions from the Overlook crater occurred frequently throughout the night. Moderate trade winds were blowing to the southwest and ashfall may be noticed in downwind locations. Earthquakes in the summit area continue at a moderate rate, as does deflation of the summit region.

Additional explosive events that could produce minor amounts of ashfall downwind are possible at any time. Volcanic gas emissions at the summit remain high.

For forecasts of where ash would fall if such an explosion occur, please consult the Ash3D model output here.

Information on ash hazards and how to prepare for ashfall maybe found here.