Kilauea Eruption: Lava flows continue entering the ocean Friday (May 25)

Hawaii County Civil Defense interactive map of roadblocks, subdivisions, and eruption fissures: hawaii247.com/lavamap

USGS Resources related to the 2018 Kilauea Lower East Rift Zone eruption and Summit Activity

KÄ«lauea Eruption Information Resources: www.hawaiicounty.gov/lava-related/

Kilauea Eruption Update


This explosion at KÄ«lauea Volcano’s summit, which occurred just after 6 p.m. HST on May 24, 2018, produced an ash cloud that rose to 10,000 feet above sea level. Moderate trade winds were blowing to the southwest at the time, and light ash fell in downwind locations. Earthquakes in the summit area continue at a moderate rate, as does deflation of the summit region, both of which reflect the withdrawal of magma from the summit. Video taken Thursday, May 24, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Map as of 2:00 p.m. HST, May 25. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

Map as of 2:00 p.m. HST, May 25. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

This thermal map shows the fissure system and lava flows as of 12:15 pm on Friday, May 25. Two channelized lava flows are reaching the ocean. In addition, a lava flow is active in Leilani Estates subdivision, near Fissure 7. The region east of the lava channels includes a broad area of recent but inactive lava flows, and this area was not mapped today due to lack of change (see earlier maps for the extent of these flows). The black and white area is the extent of the thermal map. Temperature in the thermal image is displayed as gray-scale values, with the brightest pixels indicating the hottest areas. The thermal map was constructed by stitching many overlapping oblique thermal images collected by a handheld thermal camera during a helicopter overflight of the flow field. The base is a copyrighted color satellite image (used with permission) provided by Digital Globe.

This thermal map shows the fissure system and lava flows as of 12:15 pm on Friday, May 25. Two channelized lava flows are reaching the ocean. In addition, a lava flow is active in Leilani Estates subdivision, near Fissure 7. The region east of the lava channels includes a broad area of recent but inactive lava flows, and this area was not mapped today due to lack of change (see earlier maps for the extent of these flows). The black and white area is the extent of the thermal map. Temperature in the thermal image is displayed as gray-scale values, with the brightest pixels indicating the hottest areas. The thermal map was constructed by stitching many overlapping oblique thermal images collected by a handheld thermal camera during a helicopter overflight of the flow field. The base is a copyrighted color satellite image (used with permission) provided by Digital Globe.

This is a Civil Defense Message for 6 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2018.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that eruption activity continues in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens. Fissures 7 and 21 are feeding a lava pond, which produced a flow that has crossed Kahukai Street in Leilani Estates moving east.

Due to the active eruptions, the following policies are in effect:

  • Mohala Street is no longer accessible due to the flow that has crossed Kahukai Street.
  • Kaupili Street has not been cut off by the current flow. Residents should stay out of the area.
  • The Pahoa Community Center, Keaau Community Center, and Sure Foundation Church are open.  The shelters are pet-friendly.

Due to the changing volcanic activity, the following is provided for your awareness:

  • Talk to your families now about the possibility of active eruptions being a long-term event and how you might plan for these impacts.
  • Follow Civil Defense alerts and be prepared to respond to changing conditions.
  • Update your emergency plans and be safe.

Due to the lava entry at the ocean, the following policies are in effect:

  • Access to the area is prohibited due to the laze hazard.
  • Stay away from any ocean plume since it can change direction without warning.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the ocean entry area and enforcing a 300-meter standoff zone. Only permitted tour boats are allowed in the area.
  • Health hazards of laze include lung, eye and skin irritation.
  • Be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.
  • Tankers are providing drinking water in Vacationland & Kapoho.
  • For those evacuating, the Pahoa Community Center, Keaau Community Center, and Sure Foundation Church are open.  Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.

For your information:

  • HELCO advises Leilani Estates residents to be aware of downed power lines.  Always assume the lines are active and exercise extreme caution.

A third shelter has opened.  Sure Foundation, located on Pohaku Circle in Keaau, is now open.

  • People from Pahoa who have breathing concerns are relocating from the Pahoa Community Center shelter to the Sure Foundation shelter. The shelter will cater specifically to people with breathing issues, but everyone is welcome.

Get the latest Vog Predictions here: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/vmap/

Due to the changing conditions, the following policies are in effect:

  • Take action to limit further exposure and be prepared to leave the area with little to no notice if necessary.
  • Visibility may decrease. First responders are asking everyone be safe on the roadways and slow down.
  • Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions.  Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park.
  • Stay alert for warnings from Civil Defense officials.

To help our residents, we are distributing free masks for ash protection:

  • Distribution is from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Masks will be distributed at Ocean View Community Center, Naalehu Community Center, Pahala Community Center, Cooper Center, and Shipman Gym in Keaau.
  • There are 1,400 masks available at each site. Each person may receive up to three masks.
  • Masks do not protect against gasses and vapors. They will only provide filtering for ash.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Vog

Click on image for a full description of air quality levels.

Click on image for full description of air quality levels.

Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents in lower Puna.

  • Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe.
  • Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas from fissures are especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.

County, State, and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.

Monitor vog levels and forecasts: People on Hawaii Island outside the area of volcanic activity are also advised to monitor levels of vog at https://vog.ivhhn.org

The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time.  We ask for your help and understanding.

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