The Pu‘u ‘O‘o lava flow that began June 27 has passed the edge of the extinct Kahauale‘a flows that spread 5.5 miles northeast of the vent over 18 months.
The Pu‘u ‘O‘o lava flow that began June 27 has passed the edge of the extinct Kahauale‘a flows that spread 5.5 miles northeast of the vent over 18 months.
The current flow is following a more narrow path, which allows it to move faster, said Jim Kauahikaua, scientist-in-charge with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
The flow was 6.6 miles northeast of the vent Friday and appears to be traveling through a crack, according to HVO.
It is considered a potential threat, though it could become an “immediate threat” to residential areas in the next weeks or months if it continues to advance, HVO said in an announcement.
The current flow began as the Kahauale‘a 2 flow ended.