Hawaii volcano eruption: Lava THREATENS to DESTROY highway, cutting off access to homes
THE ERUPTION of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is threatening to destroy infrastructure and cut off residents after Hawaii Civil Defence officials reported that lava flows were less than a mile away from a main road.
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Officials warned that lava could engulf Highway 137 within four to seven hours at the current rate of movement and strand remaining residents in the Lower Puna district.
Highway 137 is one of only two roads leading to the district; the other being Highway 130 which is currently only open to residents of the area.
Janet Babb, US Geological Survey geologist, said: “With fresher, hotter magma, there's the potential that the lava flows can move with greater ease and therefore cover more area.”
The threat to local populations became significantly greater on Friday after five separate fissures began spewing fresh lava from Kilauea’s summit.
EPA
EPA
With fresher, hotter magma, there's the potential that the lava flows can move with greater ease and therefore cover more area
In total, 22 fissures have opened up in lower Puna, and lava flows have destroyed 44 buildings in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens.
Local resident Ikaika Marzo commented on situation, saying: “It’s been like hell.”
Describing the sound of the lava flows, he added: “It’s like huge grenades going off.
“It shakes the whole community.”
Debbie Kalaluhi expressed her fear, saying: "Everything is so uncertain. It's really nerve-wracking.
"You're very on edge. You have to really see it to believe it."
The Hawaii Civil Defence warned residents about the possibility of roads and highways being destroyed.
They said: “Leilani Estates evacuees must be alert to possible decreased availability of access.
“No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardena due to high levels of dangerous volcanic gases.”
Steve Brantley, USGS scientist, added: "The rift zone is being forced apart.
"I think clearly it points to the potential for additional eruptive activity in lower Puna.”
On Friday, fast-moving lava flows crossed Pohoiki Road and cut off access, stranding at least 40 homes in an isolated region of lower Puna.
Four people had to be airlifted to safety by county and National Guard helicopters, and four homes were destroyed.