Authorities and residents in Hawaii are on full alert after the eruption of Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano, on Sunday night (local time) for the first time since 1984.
After 38 years of quiet, "Long Mountain" (as they call it in Hawaii) "woke up" at about 11:30 Sunday night (local time) at Mokuaweoweo, the volcano's summit caldera.
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The volcano, however, had shown increased seismic activity in recent weeks and many geologists expected an eruption sooner.
On Sunday night, US Geological Survey cameras at the top of the volcano showed "fountains" of lava spreading along the caldera floor with experts warning those with breathing problems to stay indoors.
Scientists at Hawaii's Volcano Observatory announced that, residents at risk from the volcano's lava flows are urged to be vigilant and contact Hawaii County Civil Defense for further guidance, CNN reported.
According to experts, the winds may be carrying volcanic gas and possibly fine ash.
As the BBC reports, on Sunday night, the night sky over Hawaii's largest island glowed a "hellish red" as hot lava erupted atop the volcano.
Fortunately, however, "The lava is contained within the summit and does not currently threaten Hawaii residents living downstream," the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said.[BRI]
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However, yesterday, the agency warned residents that volcanic gases and fine ash could be carried through the wind toward them.
For its part, the US Federal Aviation Administration was quick to clarify that it is "closely monitoring the volcanic eruption and will issue air traffic advisories once the size of the ash cloud is determined," it said in a statement.
While there are no signs of a threat to nearby communities and no evacuation orders have been issued, authorities said on Twitter, they have opened two shelters as a precaution.
[BR]The eruption, however, could damage vehicles and buildings, contaminate water supplies, disrupt sewage and electrical systems and damage vegetation, the weather service said, while volcanic ash could irritate eyes and lungs, scientists told Reuters.
"People with respiratory illnesses should stay indoors to avoid inhaling ash particles and anyone going outside should cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth," the medical community warned.
It is worth noting that, the volcano "Mauna Loa" is 4,169 meters above the Pacific Ocean and is part of the chain of volcanoes that formed the Hawaiian Islands.
It last "woke up" in March and April 1984, sending a lava flow 8.05 kilometers (5 miles) from Hilo, the island's largest city.
Southwest Airlines [/B] did not operate scheduled flights yesterday because of the eruption. They have cancelled five flights to and from Honolulu, the airline said.
At the same time, "Passengers bound for Hilo International Airport or Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport[/B] in Keahole (KOA) should contact their airline before heading to the airport due to volcanic activity in Mauna Loa," according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
"Based on past events, the early stages of an eruption of Mauna Loa can be very dynamic, and the location and propagation of lava flows can change rapidly," the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said in a press release.
"If the eruption remains at Mokuaweoweo, lava flows will likely be confined within the caldera walls," the release specified. "However, if the eruptions go outside its walls, lava flows may move rapidly downwards."
Source: Proto Thema
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