The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island released lava fountains reaching over 1,000 feet into the air on Sunday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The eruption began at 4:15 p.m. local time on May 25 at the north vent of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, located within Kilauea’s summit caldera. In an update, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported: “Lava fountains from the north vent are exceeding 1,000 feet (300 metres) in height,” and added that the south vent became active about an hour later, producing lava fountains of up to 230 feet.
“Lava flows are covering the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater,” USGS said.
This is the 23rd eruption event since the latest activity began on December 23, 2024. USGS noted that these lava fountains typically last for about a day or less.
Officials warned that the eruption is producing high levels of volcanic gas. When this gas reacts with the atmosphere, it can create volcanic smog, or “vog,” which may affect air quality and pose health risks to people, animals, and crops.
Kilauea is one of six active volcanoes in Hawaii and has been erupting frequently since 1983. Though it is smaller than nearby Mauna Loa, Kilauea is more active and draws frequent attention due to its consistent volcanic activity.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
