Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, the world’s largest active volcano, has erupted for the first time in nearly 40 years, US officials said, as aid workers were on high alert Monday.
The lava flows remained “contained,” but the eruption could pose a threat to nearby residents if conditions change, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.
“Currently, lava flows are in the summit area and do not pose a threat to hillside communities,” the USGS said in a statement on its website, noting that area residents should review safety procedures.
BREAKING: The world’s largest active volcano Mauna Loa has begun to erupt in Hawaii for the first time since 1984 pic.twitter.com/BkVgGyehem
– InsiderPaper (@TheInsiderPaper) November 28, 2022
While the eruption on the main island of the remote US Pacific state is confined to the volcano’s summit basin, called the caldera, “as eruptive vents migrate beyond the walls, lava flows can quickly descend the slope,” according to the USGS.
Hours later, the USGS Volcano Monitoring Office wrote on Twitter, “Lava appears to have poured out of the caldera, but for now the eruptive vents are confined to the caldera.”
Lava appears to have flowed outside the caldera, but for now the eruptive vents are confined to the caldera.
– USGS Volcanoes (@USGSVolcanoes) November 28, 2022
Officials said no evacuation order had been issued, although the summit area and several roads in the region were closed.
A USGS webcam on the northern edge of Mauna Loa’s summit showed long glowing eruptive fissures in the volcanic crater, contrasting with the darkness of night.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to six active volcanoes. Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843, according to the USGS. The most recent eruption, in 1984, lasted 22 days.
Source: DN
