More Homes Threatened By Lava Near Hawaii Volcano

Some residents in a Hawaiian neighborhood had to be airlifted out as fast-moving lava threatens dozens of homes. The Hawaii County Civil Defense is telling residents near the Kilauea volcano to shelter in place and await further instructions. 

Officials say residents located in the area should be ready to evacuate. The main danger according to the agency, is ash fallout. Officials say residents should stay indoors with the windows closed, and turn on their radio to listen for updates from authorities. 

A small explosion on Thursday sent an ash cloud up to 30,000 feet according to an alert from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 

A major road in lower Puna leading to at least 40 homes has also been cut off by the lava flow. 

The U.S. Geological survey said that a 22nd volcanic fissure opened up near Kilauea Friday, releasing another round of the toxic gas and lava. Up to 40 structures have been destroyed so far ever since the Kilauea volcano began erupting on May 3rd.

The U.S.G.S. says they expect the eruptions to continue.

"At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent," the U.S.G.S. said.


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