USGS: This photo from the 5 p.m. HST June 10 overflight shows the three fountains of the fissure 8 cone, the channelized lava flow, and minor spillovers. The spillovers have generally stalled before reaching ground not covered by previous lava flows.

Hawaii County Civil Defense – 6 a.m. June 11

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption continues in the lower East Rift Zone. Fissure 8 continues to produce a large channelized flow that is entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay and producing a large laze plume. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also reports that a steam explosion occurred at the Kilauea Summit early this morning, so be aware of ash fallout if your commute takes you through Ka’u.

Due to the lava entering the ocean, the following policies are in effect:

• Avoid the laze plume.
• Be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.

Due to the current volcanic activity, the following policies are in effect:

• Leilani Estates West of Pomaikai Street is open only to residents with official credentials; there is no curfew.
• Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road only to residents with official credentials; there is no curfew.
• Residents in these areas should heed warnings from Civil Defense officials and be prepared to evacuate with little notice.

The shelter at Pahoa Community Center is open and pet-friendly. The Keaau Armory shelter has reached capacity.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports volcanic gas emissions remain very high from fissure eruptions. Due to the elevated gas levels, the following is provided for your information:

• If you feel the effects of gas exposure shelter-in-place or leave the immediate area.
• You can monitor sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website.

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

USGS – Lower East Rift Zone

At 10:26 p.m., the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported:

The three closely spaced lava fountains at Fissure 8 are erupting with maximum heights reaching 150-180 feet. Lava continues to be fed into the channelized flow trending north and then east to the ocean entry at Kapoho. Very minor spillovers are occurring at multiple places along the channel but have uniformly been short lived and are not threatening areas that were not previously covered by lava. Gas emissions from the fissure eruption continue to be very high. The late afternoon overflight noted a vigorous plume rising from the ocean entry with minor steam explosions at the leading edge.

Minor incandescence and lava activity at Fissures 16/18 is continuing but not feeding significant flows. No other fissure is showing activity at this time.

Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

USGS – Summit

Two explosions were detected at the summit of Kilauea overnight and early this morning.

The first was a small explosion at 12:46 a.m. HST on June 11.

A larger explosion (but still considered small by scientists) occurred at Kīlauea’s summit at 4:43 a.m. HST. The preliminary magnitude was measured at 5.4. As with previous events, minor ashfall may occur downwind, USGS said.

FEMA / County Press Conference Today

Mayor Harry Kim and FEMA Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton will hold a press briefing at 3 pm today in Hilo. The mayor Kim and FEMA administrator are meeting prior to the press briefing to discuss FEMA’s role in the recovery process.

“The county and the state are preparing damage assessment documents in order to request an Individual Assistance declaration for the County,” officials say. “While FEMA has provided support since the President issued the federal
disaster declaration, this meeting is an opportunity for Administrator Fenton to see first hand the dramatic devastation that is occurring with the current Kilauea eruption.”