Kilauea volcano erupting on Hawaii's Big Island

Lava activity confines within the Halema'uma'u crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

For the first time since May, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano started erupting Wednesday afternoon.

The new lava lake was forming earlier this week, and currently, lava activity confines within the Halema'uma'u crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Officials say that ash and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountains presently represent a minor hazard. Visitors need to be aware that if trade winds are absent, ashfall and elevated concentrations of SO2 at publically accessible areas of the summit are possible. Gas emissions and seismic activity at the summit remain high and are also a primary concern. 

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews are monitoring the eruption from within the closed area. The scientists are collecting data to assess further volcanic hazards and how the eruption is evolving. 

The United States Geological Survey says that the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema'uma'u crater continues to feed low lava fountains in the center of the lava lake and along the western wall of Halema'uma'u. 

The area of the eruption within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park remains closed to the public due to safety reasons.

Loading...