UPDATE: Height of some Kilauea lava fountains nearly 300 feet
UPDATED 10:25 a.m.
Kilauea volcano erupted early this morning.
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The eruption prompted the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to elevate the alert level to “warning” and the aviation color code to “red,” signaling heightened volcanic activity and potential hazards.
The eruption, which began around 2:30 a.m. within Halemaumau Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was preceded by increased earthquake activity beneath the Kilauea summit starting at about 2 a.m.
Webcam imagery from HVO showed fissures producing lava fountains and flows at the base of the crater.
The fountains were observed with heights up to 295 feet. Molten material, including lava bombs, is being ejected from the vents on the caldera floor up onto the west caldera rim, within the closed area of HVNP.
By 5:30 a.m., lava covered an estimated area of 400 acres of the caldera floor.
In a statement, HVO emphasized that “the opening phases of eruptions are dynamic.” However, the activity is currently confined to the summit area, and hazards will be reassessed as the situation evolves.
The lava flows are currently limited to Halemaumau and the eastern part of the summit caldera. The crater area has been closed to the public since 2007.
Visitors are advised to check the HVNP website for updates on access and safety measures.
