4.41pm: Eruptions could be like 1955 when they lasted 88 days
Geologists say this week’s activity is beginning to look like an event in 1955 in which eruptions continued for 88 days in the area and covered around 4,000 acres with lava, though few people lived there back then.
Jim Kauahikaua, a research geophysicist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said that the 1955 eruption caused coastal community evacuations from Kalapana to Kapoho.
He said: ”Sections of every public road to the coastline were buried by lava.”
3.45pm: Volcanologist says situation ‘unpredictable’
Prominent volcanologist Dr Janine Crippler has warned of the volatility of events at Kilauea.
She tweeted: “Even though there was warning, the long-term situation at #Kilauea is unpredictable. This system is constantly changing and this could go on for quite some time. Follow @USGSVolcanoes for volcano updates.”
3.27pm: What dangers does sulfur dioxide (sulphur dioxide) pose?
Sulphur dioxide, or sulphur dioxide, is a toxic chemical gas with a pungent smell, released naturally during volcanic explosions.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says on its Website: “Short-term exposures to SO2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult.
“Children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma are particularly sensitive to effects of SO2.”
People who are exposed to particles from the toxin on a long-term basis could develop serious heart and lung problems.
The gas can also cause acid rain and “harm trees and planets by damaging foliage and decreasing growth”, according to EPA.
People with lung conditions are being advised to take precautions.
2.25pm: Homeowners may not be covered if their property is destroyed
As lava continues to spread across residential areas, a Hawaii government official has said residents may not be adequately insured in the eventuality of losing their home.
Jerry Bump, chief deputy insurance commissioner at the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, told CNN there is “no such thing as volcano insurance or lava flow insurance” because it is so rare and expensive.
He said: ”It’s not something that would be offered by many insurers.
“People who live in designated USGS lava zoned areas, trying to get coverage would be difficult.
“For insurer’s perspective, it’s what we call anti-selection — the risk is just too high.
“The people who are buying [houses there] realize they live in a risk area.”
1.45pm: Resident speaks of ‘devastation’ after losing home
A single mum-of-two has spoken out after her home in Leilani Estates was destroyed by lava.
Amber Makuakane Kane, 37, had lived in her three-bedroom house for nine years before it was covered in lava after a nearby fissure opened up on Friday.
The teacher found out after her security system set her prompts caused by motion sensors being triggered inside her property.
She told Associated Press: “The volcano and the lava — it’s always been a part of my life.
“It’s devastating … but I’ve come to terms with it.”
1.36pm: Donors urged to contact Salvation Army to offer support
A donation line has been issued in the US for people wanting to help people affected by the Kilauea eruption.
Mayor Harry Kim tweeted that donors should call The Salvation Army for in-kind or monetary donations.
1.31pm: Bright spots of lava flows caught by NOAA Satellites
Molten lava flows seeping from the Kilauea volcano eruption have been captured by satellites for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
It tweeted: “Lava continued to spew from the new fissures in #LeilaniEstates #Puna #Hawaii. Our polar orbiting Suomi NPP satellite captured this image yesterday, showing a continued bright spot in the location of the fissures.”
1.18pm: Emergency hub to open late for worried residents, Hawaii mayor says
An Eruption Information Centre will open at 9am Local time on Monday to offer urgent assistance for the affected community in Pahoa.
Mayor of Hawaii County Harry Kim tweeted that the centre will open from 9am on Monday (8pm BST time) to 3pm (2am BST).
A County of Hawaii issued statement read: “The center will be open at the Sacred Hearts Church hall from 9am to 3pm.
“Besides providing information about the eruption, the centre will offer social service information for the evacuees from the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions.”
1.14pm: Eruptions of lava and gas expected to continue
Officials have said lava eruptions and toxic gas flows will continue along with aftershocks from Friday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake, the largest in the area since 1975, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
A lava flow advanced 0.6 of a mile from one of the vents.
Geologists said the activity looked like an event in 1955 when eruptions continued for 88 days in the area and covered around 4,000 acres with lava.
1.05pm: Evacuees allowed brief return home to collect pets
Evacuees from Leilani Estates have been granted temporary access to their homes to collect pets, medications and to check their property.
One resident Jeremy Wilson found homes surrounded by fissures, cracks that can spread up to hundreds of feet long.
Mr Wilson said: “My house is right in the middle,” and turned his car around when he saw steam coming from cracks in the road ahead.
Liz Lovejoy Yundt, co-owner of Pele’s Kitchen restaurant, was one of those relieved to be allowed home briefly.
She told Hawaii News Now: “We were actually praying for this last night — that we would get one opportunity and we’d be ready to take it.”
Source : EXPRESS