4 PM: Collapse May Cause Surge in Lava Channel

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.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT LIVESTREAM LINK

CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE LAVA MAP FOR JULY 11, 2018

Thursday, July 12, 2018, 4 p.m: Collapse May Cause Surge in Lava Channel

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel heading northeast from the vent toward Kapoho.  A collapse/explosion event occurred at Halemaumau Crater at 2:42 p.m. with energy equal to a 5.3 magnitude earthquake.  Previous collapse/explosion events have generated a surge of lava in the lower east rift zone about two hours after the collapse which resulted in spillovers of the channel.

Aerial view toward the west from directly above Kapoho Crater. After being blocked and diverted yesterday, the fissure 8 lava channel now bends sharply to the south on the western edge of the crater. Photo taken July 12, 2018. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

The following policies remain in effect:

• Be aware that spill overs of the flow channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field, do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.
• Residents are advised to check their utility connections of electricity, water and gas after earthquakes.

Disaster assistance is available island-wide to individuals and businesses in Hawai‘i County that have been affected by the Kīlauea eruption.

• The Disaster Recovery Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, and is located at the Kea‘au High School Gym. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.

Thursday, July 12, 2018, 3 p.m: No Tsunami Threat Due to Collapse at Crater

Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports a collapse/explosive event with energy equal to a 5.3 magnitude earthquake has occurred at Halema‘uma‘u Crater at 2:42 p.m..

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no Tsunami Threat to the Island of Hawai‘i.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following is provided for your awareness:

• Residents in the area affected by earthquakes are advised to monitor utility connections of gas, electricity, and water after earthquakes.
• When driving be on the lookout for cracks in roadways.
• If ash is observed stay indoors or seek cover.

Again, there is No Tsunami Threat to the island of Hawai‘i.

AN SEISMIC EVENT HAS OCCURRED NEAR THE SUMMIT OF KILAUEA VOLCANO.
THE EVENT IS LIKELY ASSOCIATED WITH A SUMMIT ERUPTION.

ITS PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS ARE

ORIGIN TIME – 0242 PM HST 12 JUL 2018
COORDINATES – 19.4 NORTH 155.3 WEST
LOCATION – IN THE SUMMIT REGION OF KILAUEA VOLCANO
MAGNITUDE – 5.3

Again, there is No Tsunami Threat to the island of Hawai‘i.

Lava closes in on a Kua O Kala Charter School on July 11, 2018. PC: HFD

Thursday, July 12, 2018, 6 a.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel heading northeast from the vent toward Kapoho.

An overflight this morning has confirmed that Ahalanui Park and Kua O Ka La School have been covered by lava.

The following policies remain in effect:

• Be aware that spill overs of the flow channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field, do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.

Disaster assistance is available island-wide to individuals and businesses in Hawaii County that have been affected by the Kilauea eruption.

• The Disaster Recovery Center is open daily from 8am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 4pm weekends, and is located at the Keaau High School Gym. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.