June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/4/14

Thursday morning’s Hawai’i County Civil Defense assessment shows that the flow front of the June 27 lava flow continues to advance.

Currently, the flow is approximately 2.5 miles upslope of the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection and has advanced about 170 yards since Wednesday.

The flow does not pose an immediate threat to communities in the area, however, Civil Defense, along with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel will continue to maintain close observation of flow activity. Residents in the area will remain informed should changes occur.

According to HVO, the flow has reached an area where several lines of steepest descent nearly come together. Until the flow passes this area, officials say the future of the path is uncertain.

Moderate smoke conditions were reported by Civil Defense this morning in the immediate area, as well as other lower Puna areas to the southeast of the flow.

As usual, smoke conditions have the possibility of increasing in some areas and Civil Defense encourages individuals who have a history of respiratory issues to take precautions and to stay indoors.

Deflation of Puʻu ʻŌʻō continues, according to HVO’s Thursday morning release. The deflation could be a consequence of the DI event that is ongoing at the summit. However, decreasing rates of deflation, beginning at about midnight Dec. 4, could be correlated with rainfall and potentially not in relation to the magma system of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. HVO officials say that all other monitoring data indicate no significant changes at Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

Pahoa Village Road continues to remain open. Motorists are advised to use caution, as some of the utility pole protective materials are still in place. Additionally, Civil Defense advises that the public respect the privacy of residents who were affected by the lava flow and not trespass onto private property.