Nearly 100 earthquakes shake Kīlauea as volcanic unrest prompts park closure
The Keanakākoʻi area has been temporarily closed to the public for safety due to the earthquake activity and increased volcanic unrest.
FILE: Kīlauea has 53rd eruption episode
Hawaii's Kīlauea is experiencing another eruption episode - its 53rd since December 23, 2024. The episode sent fountains of lava soaring inti the air, reaching about 500 feet high.
THE TAKEAWAY:
- Nearly 100 earthquakes were recorded beneath the summit of Kīlauea volcano.
- The largest earthquake measured at a magnitude 3.4.
- The National Park Service temporarily closed the Keanakākoʻi area to the public for safety due to the earthquake activity and recent increased volcanic unrest.
Parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park were closed Thursday after nearly 100 earthquakes were recorded beneath the summit of Kīlauea volcano.
According to the National Park Service, the Keanakākoʻi area has been temporarily closed to the public for safety due to the earthquake activity and increased volcanic unrest.
Over the past 24 hours, nearly 100 earthquakes were recorded beneath the summit of Kīlauea volcano. (FOX Weather)
The closure includes Old Crater Rim Drive, the overlooks near Keanakākoʻi Crater and the Crater Rim Trail to Keanakākoʻi. However, the Devastation Trail parking lot remains open.
Over the past 24 hours, nearly 100 earthquakes were recorded in the summit area, with the largest measuring magnitude 3.4 at 9:52 p.m. HST Wednesday, according to the National Park Service.
The strongest activity occurred between about 8 p.m. Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano emits gas as an episode nears. (@USGSVolcanoes / X)
Since 3 a.m. Thursday, summit inflation has leveled off and earthquake activity has decreased.
A comparison of webcam imagery before and after the intrusion showed no new ground cracking or eruption of lava in a new location, according to the National Park Service.
VIDEO: LAVA SHOOTS FROM MOUNT KĪLAUEA IN HAWAII AMID HISTORIC 48TH ERUPTION EPISODE
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the 55th episode of Kīlauea’s ongoing eruption is expected to begin soon after a shallow intrusion of magma occurred overnight within the summit region near the existing eruption location.
43rd eruption of Mount Kīlauea Volcano
A large volcanic eruption occurs in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday, producing large plumes of smoke.
Over the past 24 hours, the north vent has had several overflows, including a small dome fountain and an overflow that lasted more than an hour Wednesday afternoon.
HAWAII’S KĪLAUEA VOLCANO ERUPTS FOR ITS 49TH EPISODE, SENDING FOUNTAINS OF LAVA INTO THE AIR
Overnight, the north and south vents exhibited a strong glow, intermittent spatter, and large flames. The west vent also had a glow and large flames.
No other areas showed signs of volcanic activity.