USGS: Map as of 10:00 a.m. HST, June 26, 2018. Given the dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, with changing vent locations, fissures starting and stopping, and varying rates of lava effusion, map details shown here are accurate as of the date/time noted. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – Lava flows entering the ocean in the area of Kapoho are now nearly 2 miles in width, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported Tuesday. “Lava is entering the sea this morning on the southern portion of the flow front primarily through the open channel,” the scientists said, “but also along a 0.6 mi wide area with multiple laze plumes from smaller oozing lobes.”

The lava is expanding south along the shoreline, officials say, and on Monday was measured at a little over half a mile away from Ahalanui Beach Park. New video released today by Hawaii County, recorded from a helicopter, shows the proximity of the active lava to the treasured Ahalanui park.

“Fissure 22 showed weak spattering and tiny flows around the base of the cone,” the USGS HVO said. “This morning’s overflight crew also observed minor incandescence at Fissure 16/18.”

According to a Hawaii County Civil Defense message at 4 p.m. HST:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to be very active and is feeding a lava channel to the ocean at Kapoho. The flow is expanding south along the shoreline. Gas emissions from the fissure eruption and laze at the ocean entry continue to be very high. Currently, there is no immediate threat, but persons near the active flow should be prepared and heed warnings from Civil Defense.

Due to frequent earthquakes, residents in the Volcano area are advised to monitor utility connections of gas, electricity, and water after earthquakes.

Disaster assistance is available island-wide to individuals and businesses in Hawaii County that have been affected by the Kilauea eruption.

According to officials:

• You can register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (also referred to as FEMA) in-person by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center, by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), or online at disasterassistance.gov
• The Disaster Recovery Center is open daily from 8am to 8pm, and is located at the Keaau High School Gym. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.
• The Disaster Recovery Center is staffed with representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and State and County agencies.
• For more resources on disaster recovery, please visit the county website.