June 27 Lava Update – 11/17/14

The June 27 lava flow spent most of the weekend stalled, according to Hawai’i County Civil Defense, with no new advancement since Saturday and very little activity along the breakouts that were being closely observed beginning last week.

Civil Defense noted Monday morning that, despite the lack of activity and movement in the lower breakouts, numerous surface breakouts were observed in area from the vent to the crack system, which is an indication that lava remains in the system.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory released Monday that a new breakout from the flow, close to the ground crack system, began Sunday afternoon and continues.  This breakout is just about mid-way down the June 27 flow.

Currently, the nearest surface breakouts and surface flow activity to Apa’a Street are about 6 miles upslope, according to Civil Defense.

Smoke conditions are expected to be light and a light trade wind is blowing smoke in a south-southeast direction.

These conditions have the possibility of changing or increasing in some areas, and Civil Defense recommends that individuals who have respiratory issues take precautions and stay indoors.

Kilauea’s summit has showed slight inflation over the past day, and according to HVO, the level of the summit lave lake at Halema’uma’u Crater has fluctuated slightly.

Residents in the area remain on an evacuation notice and will continue to be kept informed on the flow conditions.

Additionally, the road closure of Pahoa Village Road between Apa’a Street and Post Office Road continues.

Businesses and commercial areas in Pahoa are accessible, both from the Highway 130 and Highway 132 intersection, and through Post Office Road.

Around the clock operations continue for Civil Defense and public safety personnel to maintain observations of the flow and ensure public safety.