The lava flowing from the Kilauea volcano has now consumed at least 31 homes and forced 1700 people to evacuate. Hundreds of earthquakes (most small) are also reported. The U.S. Geological Survey reports:
“Aftershocks from yesterday’s M6.9 earthquake continue and more should be expected, with larger aftershocks potentially producing rockfalls and associated ash clouds above Puʻu ʻŌʻō and Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.”
The images coming from the Big Island in Hawaii are frightening.
Time Lapse of giant #lava flow consuming car, telephone pole falling
Date: 5-6-2018
Location: Leilani Estates, Hi #LeilaniEstates #Leilani #Hawaii #volcano pic.twitter.com/7Td2ecfV62— WxChasing- Brandon Clement (@bclemms) May 7, 2018
Dramatic video shows lava bursting from the ground near Hawaii's Kilauea volcano overnight. https://t.co/GzEDl6AnJv pic.twitter.com/GxiTrHg6rF
— ABC News (@ABC) May 6, 2018
#Lava runs through the streets in #Kilauea. Over a thousand people have been evacuated and dozens of homes have been destroyed. AND there is no sign of the threat slowing down. pic.twitter.com/NQOllU5c00
— America’s Morning Headquarters (@AMHQ) May 7, 2018
Field photos just in: HVO geologists collect samples of spatter for laboratory analysis; information gained from these samples will shed light on what's happening inside Kīlauea Volcano. https://t.co/z1AKsN270G pic.twitter.com/iW9KFbT6uX
— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) May 7, 2018
No injuries are reported, but experts warn the toxic gas being emitted is dangerous. The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency released a statement saying:
“Hawaii Fire Department reports extremely dangerous conditions due to high levels of Sulfur Dioxide gas in the evacuation area. Elderly, young, and people with compromised respiratory systems are especially vulnerable. The high levels detected are an immediate threat to life for all who become exposed. First responders may not be able to come to the aid of residents who refuse to evacuate.”
Watch more from CBS above.