The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii suddenly erupts with new activity

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea in Hawaii, is erupting again.

The most recent eruption occurs in the volcano’s caldera at its summit. The eruption followed a surge in seismic activity that began early Monday morning.

Webcam footage of the caldera from the US Geological Survey showed lava shooting into the air, reaching 270 feet at its highest point.

USGS scientist Ken Hon, who leads the staff at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said in a briefing Monday that the eruption manifested quickly.

“This started very quickly. We had normal background activity most of the night. Around 1:30 a.m. this morning the seismicity really picked up. At 2 a.m. we could see that we had measured seismicity associated with a crack that opened and was pushed open by the magma moving to the surface.

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According to the observatory, the eruption may produce hazards including volcanic smog, which can spread via wind and contain sulfur dioxide, which can worsen respiratory illnesses.

The agency also warned that further fissures and fissures could occur at any time and that lava must be taken seriously in the event of an eruption.

“Hawaiian lava flows generally progress slowly downslope and can be avoided by people. They can destroy anything in their path, including vegetation and infrastructure – which can cut off road access and utilities.”

The Kilauea eruption last occurred in September and June of this year.

A lava outflow from the volcano in 2018 destroyed more than 700 homes.