Kilauea alert level lowered as eruption rate slows
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has reduced its alert level for Kilauea as the eruption cools off.
Because the initially high lava effusion rates at Halema‘uma‘u Crater have declined since the eruption began yesterday, HVO has lowered its alert level for the volcano from Warning to Watch. HVO reports that hazards from the eruption are confined to the closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and no infrastructure is threatened.
HVO’s aviation color code for Kilauea has also been reduced from Red to Orange because there is currently no threat of significant ash emission. However, a 10,000-foot-high volcanic plume continues to rise over the crater, which consists of potentially hazardous gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, although HVO reports that the concentration of those gases has diminished since yesterday.
Vog has been observed downwind of Kilauea and residents are advised to watch for other hazards such as Pele’s hair and other volcanic glass fragments.
HVNP attendees are also advised to avoid areas of the park that are closed to the public, as the seismic activity associated with the eruption can intensify hazards such as rockfalls and instability along the crater wall.
