Hawaii volcano eruption damage latest: How much has been destroyed by Kilauea volcano?
AS the massive volcanic eruption in Hawaii continues to send molten lava snaking its way across Big Island, thousands have been forced from their homes into temporary shelters. So just how much damage has been done? Here is the latest on the destruction of Kilauea.
The volcanic activity of this fiery mountain has been underway non-stop since 1983, but took a turn for the more dangerous after a series of earthquakes culminated in a magnitude 6.9 quake last week.
The number of structures destroyed by the volcanic eruption has reached 35 - of these 26 are homes.
Highway 130, the main road to and from the area, has been seriously damaged, with lava beginning to ooze from the cracks in the tar left behind from the earthquakes.
Dramatic footage shows the lava cutting through everything in its path, including houses and cars.
There is of course massive damage to the land around the fissures, large portions of which fall within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The area worst affected is Leilani Estates - a residential area which has seen 12 fissures open up and spew lava since Friday.
All 1,700 residents have been evacuated. Some have been allowed to return home to rescue pets and other essentials, but not for long.
Amateur footage has been shared on social media taken by residents showing plumes of smoke and lava so orange it almost ‘looks fake’.
Getty
Getty
Getty
There is also the risk of toxic gasses omitted by the volcano.
Hawaii County Civil defence has released a statement saying that volcanic activity has begun to subside, but that hazardous fumes continue to threaten anyone in the area for long periods.
Scientists are however forecasting the possibility of more eruptions and earthquakes, which could even last for months to come.
Residents and others from nearby areas have joined together to support those who have lost their homes and had to evacuate, and no fatalities or serious injuries have yet been reported.
The last time Kilauea had a serious eruption was in 1924 and resulted in one fatality, when a photographer ventured too close to the action.
Prior to this, Kilauea is thought to have killed around 80 people when it erupted without warning in the late 1780s.
The volcano, which sits of the southernmost Hawaiian island, is one of the youngest in the area, yet is believed to be the most active volcano on earth.