07 Jun 2023 | 03:39 PM UTC
US: Officials report increased volcanic activity at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, as of early June 7
Increased volcanic activity at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, US, as of June 7. Eruption ongoing; authorities raise alert level.
Event
Officials with the United States Geological Geological Survey (USGS) have observed increased levels of volcanic activity at the Kilauea Volcano, located in Hawaii on the Island of Hawaii (Big Island), as of early June 7. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected a glow from Kilauea's summit at around 04:44 on June 7, indicating an eruption had commenced. The eruption is reportedly confined to the Halema'uma'u crater; however, the opening phases of eruptions can be dynamic, and the situation could evolve rapidly. As of early June 7, USGS stated that volcanic gas is the primary hazard of concern as this could reach downwind communities. The wind may also carry other volcanic material, and further eruptive activity could lead to additional hazards, such as lava flows, rockfalls at the crater, and ashfall in surrounding communities. and increased seismic activity. If eruptive vents migrate outside the caldera walls, then lava flows may move rapidly downslope from the summit.
Due to the increased volcanic activity, authorities have raised the Volcano Alert Level for Kilauea from watch to warning and the Aviation Color Code for the volcano from Orange to Red (in both cases, the highest level on a four-tier scale. The alert levels were raised from advisory to watch and Yellow to Orange only a short while previously, early June 7, as activity had been detected, but no eruption was confirmed.
Hawaii Emergency Management has indicated that there is no indication of an immediate threat to populated areas; authorities are monitoring the eruption at the volcano closely and will likely issue updated advisories and directives as the situation develops.
Transport
Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area, especially if the current eruptive event continues to produce volcanic material and/or lava flows migrate outside the summit caldera. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace, potentially impacting flights at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (HNL), and other airports across Hawaii. Authorities might temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur.
Advice
Confirm flights if the eruptive episode continues. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating near Kilauea in the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in areas affected by ash. Carry masks or face coverings and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.
