A collapse-explosion event occurred at 12:10 p.m. today at the summit of Kilauea volcano with energy equivalent to a magnitude-5.4 earthquake, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the channel leading northeastward from the vent. No overflows were reported this morning and the channels are nearly full.
At the coast, the south edge of the lava flow hasn’t advanced westward in the past day, and remains about 500 feet from the Pohoiki boat ramp in Isaac Hale Park. The active ocean entry is a few hundred yards to the east of this lava flow edge.
No other fissures are active this morning.
Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, dusting the ground within a few hundred yards of the vent. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.
HVO field crews are on site tracking activity as conditions allow and are reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defense.
Observations are also collected on a daily basis from cracks in Highway 130. No significant changes in temperature, crack widths or gas emissions have been noted for several days, according to HVO.