June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/8/14

Monday morning’s Hawai’i County Civil Defense assessment of the June 27 lava flow shows that the flow front remains active and continues advancing.

Over the past 24 hours, the flow has stretched approximately another 250 yards.

Currently the flow front is about 2.3 miles upslope of the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection, near the Pahoa Marketplace.

Flow activity at this time is not posing an immediate threat to residents in the area. Civil Defense, along with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, will continue to watch the activity closely and keep residents informed should activity develop further.

HVO noted in a Monday morning report that the flow front continues to remain in the area where several lines of steepest descent nearly come together because of flat topography, and until the flow passes through this point, it is difficult to know the path it will take after this point.

Civil Defense reported moderate smoke conditions this morning as light southeast winds are blowing smoke in a north-northwest direction.

Smoke conditions have the possibility of increasing and officials advise that individuals who have a history of respiratory issues take necessary precautions and remain indoors.

Weak deflation has occurred at Puʻu ʻŌʻō over the past 24 hours. According to HVO, all other monitoring data indicates no significant changes at Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

Pahoa Village Road continues to remain open. Motorists driving in the area are advised to use caution as some of the protection material on the utility poles remains.

Additionally, officials want to advise the public to respect the residents in the area who were affected by the lava flow and remind individuals that trespassing onto private property is not permitted.