- On Saturday, May 12, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported fissure 16 was venting lava spatter about a mile below the geothermal plant property and a mile west (or Kalapana side) of Highway 132. Highway 132 remains open. No residences are affected at this time, and no lava flow has been generated.
- The county residents of lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana, remain on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption and advised there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, so take this time to prepare.
- The lava from the fissures have destroyed 36 structures and destroyed or severely damaged seven private roadways and two public roadways. Highway 130 was added to the list of public roadways. It is passable for emergency vehicles but closed to the public at this time.
- Continuing earthquakes, ground deformation, and sulphur dioxide emissions mean additional outbreaks of lava are possible for entire East Rift Zone. Area around East Rift Zone is at risk for lava inundation.
- The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the magna level in Halema’uma’u Crater (Kilauea Caldera) has dropped below the water table. This action created the right conditions for an explosive eruption to occur at Halema’uma’u Crater. The eruption has the potential to eject rocks and boulders up to six miles from the crater and create an ash cloud up to twelve miles in diameter.
- As the lava lake level inside Halemaʻumaʻu continues to drop, rockfalls from the enclosing walls may increase in frequency prompting explosions of spatter from the lake onto the nearby crater rim and lofting plumes of ash. Dustings of ash from these events can occur.
- The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closed until further notice.
- The Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center are open to those who have evacuated. Food is being provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.
- Hawaii Fire Department is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restriction for lower Puna area. No helicopter or drone activity is allowed without approval.
- There is a high concentration of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) near the 15 fissures in Leilani Estates.
- Hawaii Dept. of Health (DOH) reports that vog conditions and the presence of sulfur dioxide in the air may increase and fluctuate in various areas of the state. Residents are encouraged to access the Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard at www.ivhhn.org/vog/ for the most comprehensive and up-to-date online information on vog and SO₂ from volcanic activity.
- Volcanic gases, primarily Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), pose a health risk in the lower Puna District. IDLH for each of these gases is 100 parts per million (ppm); readings near the fissures continue to exceed 100 ppm for both SO2 and H2S. Some residents were showing early signs of respiratory illness over the weekend.
There are now 18 fissures > 16 & 17 came yesterday and 18 is blowing up right now and it’s the most powerful.
International newscycle is about 24hrs behind what’s actually happening here in Puna 🤙🏼
We wish you the best. We are on Oahu this weekend. Upvoted and followed you.
Appreciated @hawaiialoha ~ it’s consistently changeable!
My best intentions 🤙🏼