New aerial video shows the eruption of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, which began Sunday night after a series of large earthquakes, authorities said.
The video, captured from a helicopter, shows the volcano spewing fountains of lava, which spread across its surface, while clouds of smoke billowed overhead.
The eruption, which marked the first since 1984, continued Tuesday night, the US Geological Survey said in its report. latest updatewhich added that the largest lava fountains on the volcano were up to 131 – 164 feet tall.
Officials previously said the lava flows were «contained within the summit area and do not threaten hillside communities.»
«No property is currently at risk,» the most recent update said.
However, officials have prepared to closing a portion of the nearby Daniel K. Inouye Expressway if lava comes anywhere near the area, which would have a major impact on local infrastructure, NBC affiliate KHNL of Hawaii reported. Lava flow previously cut off access to a key weather monitoring station, according to KHNL.
The eruption continued weeks of warnings from officials that an explosion was imminent following an increase in earthquakes atop the volcano and that Big Island residents should be prepared to evacuate if necessary, KHNL reported.
Authorities have said the eruption threatens air quality, which could be dangerous for local residents with respiratory problems. KHNL reported.
corky siemaszko contributed.