(USGS) Map as of 10:00 a.m. HST, July 18, 2018. The south ocean entry area was obscured by laze (acidic steam plume), so the southern boundary of the lava flow is approximate on this map. 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) – Channel overflows this morning sent lava flows into Leilani Estates and destroyed additional structures in the closed area along Nohea Street, Hawaii County Civil Defense said in a 4 p.m. message. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the overflows were the result of an increase in lava supply overnight. The increase in lava supply followed a 1:28 a.m. collapse / explosion event at the Kīlauea summit.

“Farther downstream, lava overflowed both sides of the channel,” scientists said. “By mid-morning, the overflows had stalled.”

“Several lobes of fissure 8 lava are entering the ocean along a broad front,” USGS said. “The southern margin of the lava flow was about 700 m (0.4 mi) from the Pohoiki boat ramp this morning.”

(USGS) As of around 6:00 a.m. HST today, the southwestern-most part of the ocean entry was adjacent to a surf spot known as “Bowls” and “Shacks.”

According to the Hawaii County Civil Defense:

The following policies remain in effect:

• Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that channel overflows and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field.
• The ocean entry continues to produce a “laze” plume. Take precautions and stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.
• The latest air quality measurements from the University of Hawaii’s Vog Measurement and Prediction Project can be found here.

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

• The Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Keaau High School Gym, is open daily from 8am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.
• Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov for a list of information to bring to the DRC, or to register online.
• Access placards are available at the Civil Defense office located at 920 Ululani Street in Hilo.

County officials say cash assistance for Kilauea survivors from Tzu Chi USA will be distributed on Sunday, July 22. According to a media release:

Tzu Chi USA, in cooperation with Hawai’i County and American Red Cross, will hold its third and final financial aid distribution to Hawai’i County residents affected by the Kilauea volcanic eruption on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Eruption-affected residents should join us this Sunday, July 22, 2018, at Kea’au High School Building G, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., to receive cash assistance and emotional support.

Residents who live in the mandatory evacuation areas or whose homes have been fully or partially destroyed due to the lava eruption are eligible to receive aid.

To qualify for this cash assistance from Tzu Chi USA, you need to first visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Kea’au High School Gym to pre-register with the American Red Cross during their regular hours, Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In addition, residents with proven medical disability or children under 6 years of age who have evacuated from voluntary evacuation areas due to poor air quality may be eligible for aid if they can show that they have been denied assistance from FEMA or Red Cross, and can show proof of financial hardship.

Tzu Chi USA strives to provide compassion and relief wherever we can. We place no restrictions on how a family or individual may use our financial aid as our goal is to empower disaster survivors with the choice of how to best rebuild and recover.

Learn more about our history in providing disaster relief. We are proud to have this opportunity to serve Hawaii residents grappling with the effects of the Kilauea eruptions.

For further information, please call Stephanie Fan at 808-282-5888.