June 27 Lava Flow Update – 10/31/14

The June 27 lava flow remains active despite the fact that it has not advanced since Thursday, according to Hawai’i County Civil Defense.

Currently the flow front remains 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road.

The front of the flow has shown signs of widening with breakouts along the flanks or margins. It was estimated by Civil Defense that the flow is approximately 60 yards wide.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory announced in a release Friday morning that the many scattered breakouts behing the initial flow that has now stalled begin about 77 yards behind it.

HVO observed overnight that the breakout along the north margin of the flow above Apa’a Street continued to be active and had advanced within 44 yards of the transfer station and the street. This particular breakout became sluggish on Friday morning, advancing at about 2 yards per hour.

This map, released on Oct. 31, shows the current path of the June 27 Lava Flow. Civil Defense image.

Additionally, the lobe just downslope of the Pahoa cemetery was active overnight, burning trees in a forested area and causing numerous loud methane busts.

Smoke conditions in the area continue to be light to moderate with trade winds from the northeast pushing the smoke in a south-southwest direction.

According to Civil Defense Friday morning, burning activity is involving a variety of materials and smoke conditions have the possibility of increasing in some areas.

Residents who live down wind and who have history of respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors.

Civil Defense will release additional health advisories should the need arise.

The current location, direction, and advancement of the flow has placed residents in the immediate path of the flow on an evacuation advisory, and residents will continue to be kept informed of the flow status and advancement as information becomes available.

Pahoa Village Road between Apa’a Street and the Post Office Road remains closed.

It is advised that motorists in the area use caution and slow down along Highway 130 near the Post Office Road intersection.

Civil Defense, along with the National Guard and other public safety personnel, will continue operating in the area around the clock to maintain close observation of flow activity and to ensure public safety.