Kilauea has been spewing lava in Hawaii since Wednesday. According to the authorities, the residential areas are not currently in danger.
Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, has erupted in Hawaii. The volcano spewed lava on Wednesday and images showed cracks in a crater on the volcano. Volcanologists described the eruption as “dynamic”. Scientists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said renewed activity from the volcano was recorded on Wednesday morning.
This takes place within the boundaries of the national park, away from inhabited areas. “High levels of volcanic gases are a major concern because they can have far-reaching effects on wind generation,” the USGS said. When sulfur dioxide is released at the summit, it reacts in the atmosphere, creating a visible haze called volcanic smog that can spread across Kilauea. According to US authorities, this so-called volcanic smog can cause respiratory problems in humans and animals and also affect plants.
The volcanic eruption can also produce a phenomenon called “Pele’s hair” – very fine, hard lava fibers that can irritate the skin and eyes. Pele is the name of the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
Late last year, Kilauea’s neighboring volcano, Mauna Loa, erupted for the first time in four decades and presented a spectacular spectacle. Rivers of molten rock spewed lava fountains 60 meters high down the slopes. Much smaller than Mauna Loa, Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a popular tourist destination on the Big Island. It erupted almost regularly between 1983 and 2019. (APA/DPA)