4 PM: New Map Released

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 26, 2018

Thursday, July 26, 2018, 4 p.m.: New Map Released

As of 2 p.m., Thursday, July 26, 2018, the lava flow margins had not expanded since the previous map, so no red areas (indicating expansion) appear on this map.

Map of the East Rift Zone on July 26, 2018. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

Given the dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, with changing vent locations, fissures starting and stopping, and varying rates of lava effusion, map details shown here are accurate as of the date/time noted. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960 and 2014-2015.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that earthquakes continue at Kīlauea’s summit, and Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel, sending flows to the ocean at Ahalanui and creating a large laze plume. HVO field crews report fluctuations in the channel level with small overflows occurring in the upper portion of the channel this afternoon. The western margin of the flow near Pohoiki has not advanced significantly westward so the flow remains approximately 500 feet from the Pohoiki boat ramp in Isaac Hale Park.

State Highways requests motorists on Highway 11 between mile marker 28 and 32 stay on the pavement and be alert for changing roadway conditions.

The following guidelines remain in effect:

• Check all utility connections of water, gas, and electricity for potential damage from earthquake activity.
• Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that channel overflows and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field.
• The ocean entry continues to produce a “laze” plume. Take precautions and stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

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, located at the Kea‘au High School Gym, is moving to a new location beginning Monday, July 30 at 8 a.m. The new location will be at the Pāhoa Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale St. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The DRC will maintain regular hours.
• Access placards are available at the Civil Defense office located at 920 Ululani St. in Hilo.

Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the channel leading northeastward from the vent. No new overflows were reported this morning. Lava movement in the channel seemed sluggish through, and levels were lower in, the lower part of the channel. At the coast, the lava flow in the Ahalanui area remains less than 0.1 miles from the Pohoiki boat ramp in Isaac Hale Park. The active ocean entry is still a few hundred yards to the east of this lava flow edge.

No other fissures are active this morning.

Lava fountaining at the active vent remains relatively low, and is mostly below the height of the current cone (about 50 m, or 55 yards). Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at Fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, dusting the ground within a few hundred meters (yards) of the vent. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

Thursday, July 26, 2018, 12:15 p.m.: No Tsunami From 5.4-M Summit Collapse

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a collapse event has occurred at Halema‘uma‘u Crater at 12:09 p.m. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports its energy equal to a 5.4-magnitude earthquake.

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.
• Be on the lookout for road cracks while driving.
• If ash is observed, stay indoors or seek cover.

12:12 p.m.:

NWS PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER EWA BEACH HI REPORTED THAT A SEISMIC EVENT OCCURRED NEAR THE SUMMIT OF KILAUEA VOLCANO.

THE EVENT IS LIKELY ASSOCIATED WITH A SUMMIT ERUPTION.

ITS PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS ARE

ORIGIN TIME – 1209 PM HST 26 JUL 2018
COORDINATES – 19.4 NORTH 155.3 WEST
LOCATION – IN THE SUMMIT REGION OF KILAUEA VOLCANO
MAGNITUDE – 5.4

NO TSUNAMI IS EXPECTED.

6 a.m.: Lava 150 Yards From Pohoiki

The Hawai‘i County Fire Department captured this image of Isaac Hale Park and Pohoiki Boat Ramp during their overflight of the area on July 24, 2018. PC: USGS

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports earthquakes continue at Kīlauea Summit and Fissure 8 continues to erupt into the lava channel flowing to the ocean entry at Ahalanui.

Yesterday’s overflight reports the southern margin of the flow is within 150 yards of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp at Isaac Hale Park.

State Highways requests motorists on Highway 11 between the 28 and 32 Mile Markers stay on the pavement and to be on the alert for changing roadway conditions.

The following policies remain in effect:

• Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that channel overflows and outbreaks may occur on the active flow field without warning.
• Sulphur Dioxide and VOG levels will be elevated today due to a change in the wind direction, do take precautions to limit exposure and stay indoors or leave the area if levels make breathing difficult.
• Residents are reminded to check utility connections of gas, water, and electricity after earthquakes.

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

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

Access placards are available at the Civil Defense office located at 920 Ululani St. in Hilo.