VOLCANO UPDATE: May 12, 12:45 PM: Fissure 16 Venting Lava Spatter

12:30 p.m., May 12, 2018. VC: USGS

Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 12:45 p.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports fissure 16 is venting lava spatter about a mile below the geothermal plant property and a mile west (or Kalapana side) of highway 132. Highway 132 remains open. No residences are affected at this time, and no lava flow has been generated.

Saturday, May 12, 2018, 10 a.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a new fissure in the lower East Rift Zone.

Lava spatter was reported east of the geothermal plant property and northeast of Lanipuna Subdivision.

Highway 132 (Pāhoa-Kapoho Road) is open.

Continuing earthquakes, ground deformation and sulphur dioxide emissions mean additional outbreaks of lava are possible.

HVO states that an explosive eruption at Halema’uma’u Crater is possible. This could generate ash plumes and dangerous debris that may affect an area as far as 12 miles from the summit crater.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:

Residents of lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana, are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. There may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, so take this time to prepare.

If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pāhoa Community Center and Kea‘au Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.

The Civil Defense Recovery Information and Assistance Center (RIAC) will be open on Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Pahoa Community Center.

Saturday, May 12, 2018, 9:12 a.m.: Fissure 16 has opened about 6:45 this morning about 1 mile northeast of fissure 15.

USGS/HVO Summary

LOWER EAST RIFT ZONE
Minor spattering activity has been reported from a new fissure, 16, that has opened about 6:45 this morning about 1 mile northeast of fissure 15 at the northeast end of the existing vent system. No significant lava flow from this new fissure has been reported or observed at this time, but conditions could change quickly.

Elevated earthquake activity and ground deformation continue and additional outbreaks in the area remain likely.

Residents in lower Puna should remain informed and heed Hawai‘i County Civil Defense closures, warnings and messages. Click here to sign up.

KILAUEA SUMMIT
Deflationary tilt at the summit of the volcano continues and seismicity remains elevated. This morning, a steady, vigorous plume of steam and variable amounts of ash is rising from the Overlook vent. Occasional rockfalls into the deep vent will produce intermittent pulses of slightly more vigorous ash emissions. Depending on wind conditions, dustings of ash may occur in the Kilauea summit area and downwind. More energetic ash emissions are possible if explosive activity commences.

This morning’s trade winds are carrying the plume and ash to the southwest of the KĪlauea Summit. Trade wind conditions are expected to continue according to current forecasts.

Saturday, May 12, 2018, 6 a.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports volcanic activity in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano continues. None of the 15 fissure vents have produced any lava since Thursday. Continuing earthquakes, ground deformation, and sulphur dioxide emissions mean additional outbreaks of lava are possible.

HVO states that an explosive eruption at Halema‘uma‘u Crater is possible. This could generate ash plumes that may affect an area as far as 12 miles from the summit crater.

Maps and advisory information are available at links posted at the Civil Defense Eruption Updates website.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:

Residents of lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana, are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. There may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, so take this time to prepare.

If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pāhoa Community Center and Kea‘au Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.

Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism during an emergency is treated as a felony.