Hawaii goes on red alert for “major eruption”
On Tuesday, explosions on Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano triggered an aviation red alert for the first time since the eruption started 12 days ago.
The explosions caused ash and volcanic smog to rise 3.7 kilometres above Kilauea’s crater. The ash and smog floated southwest, covering cars on Highway 11 and causing an “unhealthy air” advisory in Pahala, a community 29 kilometres from the volcano.
Hawaii's #Kilauea volcano, officials have issued a #RedAlert as explosive activity reaches new heights. pic.twitter.com/li7xYb9YjG
— Aneika Angus (@aneikaangus) May 16, 2018
A red alert for aircraft means a volcanic eruption is under way which could spew ash along aircraft routes, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) website.
John Bravender of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said a shift in winds was expected to bring ash and smog inland.
“We’re observing more or less continuous emission of ash now with intermittent, more energetic ash bursts or plumes,” said Steve Brantley, a deputy scientist in charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO).
The observatory has warned that the eruption could become more violent.
“At any time, activity may become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent,” the HVO said in a statement after the aviation alert moved from orange to red.
Ash is not poisonous but irritates the nose, eyes and breathing. USGS chemist David Damby explained that large emissions of ash could cause the failure of electrical power lines.
The area worst hit by the eruption is near the village of Pahoa, 40 kilometres down Kilauea’s eastern flank.
Lava has burst from the ground, tearing through housing developments and farmland.
On Tuesday, a fissure in the Earth opened, spewing lava and toxic gases which caused air quality into “conditioned red” around Lanipuna Gardens and nearby farms.
The toxic gases caused “choking and inability to breathe”, according to the HVO and Hawaii County Civil Defense.
No deaths or major injuries have been reported from the eruption.