Hawaii volcano erupts, spewing ash and debris 30,000 ft into air
  • 6 years ago
BIG ISLAND, Hawaii — Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has been erupting nonstop since May 3.

On Thursday, the volcano erupted once again, driving volcanic ash and debris as high as 30,000 feet into the air, USA Today reported.

The explosion took place in Halema'uma'u Crater at Kilauea's summit around 4:17 a.m. local time.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the plume of ash and debris was drifting northeast and cautioned residents to shelter in place. They also mentioned there is a chance the volcano might turn explosive again, which would result in an increase of ash production and ballistic projectiles near the vent.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency also warned that the ash is likely to affect local waters for several hours.

Kilauea volcano, one of the five active volcanoes in Hawaii, has been closed since May 11 as the lava seeping through has forced the evacuation of nearly 2000 people near Leilani Estates.

More than two dozen homes have already been destroyed in the neighborhood near Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii.