Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, which erupted last month after a year of dormancy, is still spewing lava and gas, creating a health hazard for residents and visitors.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reported on Friday that the western vent of the volcano was active and producing lava flows that reached the crater floor. The eastern vent was also erupting intermittently, sending lava fountains up to 82 feet high.
The eruption has created a large plume of volcanic gas and steam, known as vog, that is drifting downwind and affecting air quality. Vog can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches and fatigue for people who are exposed to it.
The HVO said that vog levels were elevated in some areas of the Big Island, especially in the Kau district and along the south coast. The agency advised people to stay indoors or limit outdoor activities when vog is present, and to follow the guidance of local health officials.
The HVO also warned of other hazards associated with the eruption, such as ashfall, ballistic projectiles, ground cracks and earthquakes. The agency said that the eruption could change rapidly and unpredictably, and urged people to stay away from the restricted area around the summit crater.
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and has been erupting continuously since 1983. The last major eruption occurred in 2018, when lava flows destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands of people in the lower Puna district.
