10 May 2018 | 10:05 PM UTC
US: Volcanoes National Park closed due to threat of eruption May 11 /update 3
Most of Volcanoes National Park (Island of Hawai’i) to be closed on May 11 due to potential for steam-induced explosion at Kilauea; threat of explosive eruptions over the coming weeks
Event
Most of Volcanoes National Park (Island of Hawai'i) will be closed on Friday, May 11, due to the threat of a steam-driven explosion at Kilauea. The park will reportedly be closed until further notice. The closure of the park comes after the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory of the US Geological Survey (USGS) issued a warning for volcanic activity at Kilauea on Wednesday, May 9, cautioning that the lowering of the lava lake at the volcano has increased the probability of "explosive eruptions" occurring in the coming weeks. Additional eruptions, resulting in lava flow, ashfall, and consequent evacuations and transportation disruptions are also possible.
Context
Since Kilauea began erupting on May 3, the lava eruptions have destroyed dozens of homes and forced the evacuation of some 1800 people from Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens.
Hundreds of earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 2 to 5 have reportedly rocked the island since April 30. On May 4, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck approximately 16 km (10 mi) southwest of Leilani Estates. The earthquake, the largest to strike the Island of Hawai'i in decades, came after the initial eruption of Kilauea on May 3.
Kilauea volcano is one of Hawaii's most active volcanoes. It is located on the Hawai'i island of the state of Hawaii.
Advice
Individuals present in or intending to travel to the affected area are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel reservations, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and wear respiratory masks and covering clothing to protect skin in the event of an eruption of abrasive ash.
