Update on Lava Flow and Eruption in the East Rift Zone, May 27

This news story will be updated throughout the day as new information becomes available and new articles will be added to the website’s “News” section. Previous information about ongoing events can be found in Big Island Now’s “Volcano Blog” section.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports the lava flow in Leilani Estates has crossed into PGV property overnight.  County, State and Federal agencies continue to monitor Hydrogen Sulfide levels and no Hydrogen Sulfide has been detected. Again, no Hydrogen Sulfide has been detected.

This image is from a temporary research camera positioned near Kapoho looking southwest. From left to right, one can see the eruptive fissures, with Fissure 15 on the far left, and Fissure 10 near the center. Panorama of Lower East Rift Zone Camera from Lower East Rift Zone [PGcam]
Last Updated May, 27, 2018 at 6:16 a.m.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following policies are in effect:

• Take action to limit further exposure to volcanic gases and be prepared to leave the area with little to no notice.
• Residents close to the active eruption must remain alert to changes in the flow direction, and are advised to prepare to voluntarily evacuate should your location become threatened.
• Stay alert for warnings from Civil Defense officials.

U.S. Geological Survey Report from Saturday, May 26, 2018, 11:42 p.m.

Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens. As of this morning, almost 2400 acres have been covered by new lava.

Fissures 22, 6, and 13 are feeding lava flows moving southeast to the coast southwest of Pohoiki. At midday today, two ocean entries were active. Over the past 24 hours, channels feeding these ocean entries have diminished somewhat in vigor, however the laze plume generated remains significant.

Fissure 21 is feeding an ‘a’ā flow that has advanced to the northeast and this afternoon crossed Pahoa Pohoiki Road onto PGV property. Fissure 7 is feeding a flow that has turned south toward the coast, and at dusk the lava was cascading into the Pawaii crater, adjacent to the western margin of the fissure 6 flow that feeds one of the ocean entries.