6 PM: Fissure 8 Continues to Flow Toward Kapoho

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.

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Saturday, July 14, 2018, 6 p.m.: Fissure 8 Continues to Flow Toward Kapoho

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel heading northeast from the vent toward Kapoho.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible this evening in Kona and the Puna District.

The following policies remain in effect:

• Be aware that spill overs of the flow channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field, do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.
• Remain alert for changing weather conditions and possible flooding conditions.
• 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 is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, and is located at the Kea‘au High School Gym. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.

Placards will be available on Monday at the Civil Defense office located at 920 Ululani Street in Hilo.

VIDEO: Earlier today, LIVE at Honoli‘i Beach Park with Malika Dudley, Uncle Eddie and ocean safety lifeguard John Kapsky. We are talking about how surfers, beach goers and boaters around the island have been affected by the eruption in Puna.

https://www.facebook.com/BigIslandNow/videos/1732267353517473/

LIVE Interviews with Malika Dudley at Honoli’i Beach Park

2 p.m.: Earthquakes in Summit Area Have Resumed

Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel leading northeastward from the vent. Lava levels in the upper channel increased for several hours after the summit collapse-explosion event yesterday at 7:08 p.m. and returned to lower levels this morning.

Early morning view of Fissure 8 and lava channel looking toward the east. Laze plume from the ocean entry is visible in distance (left of the Fissure 8 plume). Geologists did not observe activity from any of the other fissures during this morning’s overflight on Saturday, July 14, 2018. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

A short-lived overflow of the channel near the vent spread east-southeast, but did not advance beyond the existing flow field. The channelized ʻaʻā flow west of Kapoho Crater continues to be the main ocean entry at the southern edge of the flow front this morning. The southern margin of the flow was about 0.6 miles from Isaac Hale Park this morning. Despite no visible surface connection to the Fissure 8 channel, lava continues to ooze out at several points on the 3.7 mile wide flow front into the ocean.

No other fissures are active this morning.

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 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.

Earthquakes in the summit area have resumed following yesterday’s collapse/explosion event at 7:08 p.m., which had an energy equivalent to a magnitude-5.3 earthquake. The current rate of earthquakes ranges from 25 to 35 per hour and is expected to continue leading up to another collapse/explosion event, which is expected to occur this evening or early Sunday morning. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaʻumaʻu continues in response to the ongoing subsidence at the summit.

6 a.m.:  Fissure 8 Flow Heads South at Kapoho Cone Toward Ahalanui

Kapoho Cone on July 13, 2018. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel heading northeast from the vent toward Kapoho. The majority of the flow is now heading south at Kapoho Cone toward Ahalanui.

The National Weather Service is forecasting increased rainfall with a chance of thunderstorms over the weekend.

The following policies remain in effect:

Be aware that spill overs of the flow channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field, do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.

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 skin, eyes and lungs.

On the weather:

• When lightning is in the area the safest place to be is indoors.
• Be prepared for interruptions to utilities.

Disaster assistance is available islandwide to individuals and businesses in Hawa‘ii County that have been affected by the Kilauea eruption.

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