Lower Puna residents should prepare for more evacuations, Civil Defense says

Lower Puna residents should be on the alert for further volcanic activity and prepare for more evacuations, Hawaii County Civil Defense announced today.

That includes residents from Kapoho to Kalapana. No additional evacuations are being ordered at this time.

“Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice,” the agency said. “Take this time to prepare.”

Flyers advising residents to prepare were being distributed door to door today.

As of Friday afternoon, no lava was emerging from fissures in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens, though high levels of sulfur dioxide are being emitted.

Seismic activity suggests that magma is moving downrift from Leilani, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Civil Defense says that residents who voluntarily evacuate can go to shelters at the Pahoa and Keaau community centers.

Food is provided, and there are accommodations for animals but residents are responsible for their care.

All beach parks in lower Puna are closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Road closures are: Highway 130 between Malama Street and Kamaili Road, and Pohoiki Road from Highway 132 and Highway 137. Access to Lanipuna Gardens is not allowed due to dangerous volcanic gases.