LavaTalk: September 12, 2014 update on Kilauea’s lava flow


Lava flow progression slideshow
(Alternate map here for those having problems seeing the contour lines)


Friday, September 12, 2014 Photos courtesy of USGS/HVO


Kilauea June 27th Lava Flow aerial video on September 12, 2014 courtesy of USGS/HVO

USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kilauea Status Update for 8:03 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2014

Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Volcanic Activity Summary: Between September 10 and 12, the June 27th flow advanced north-northeastward at an average rate of 250 m/day (820 ft/day). By the afternoon of September 12, the flow had advanced approximately 14.9 km (9.3 miles) straight-line distance from the vent, or to within 170 m (560 ft) of the boundary between the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve and the northwest corner of Kaohe Homesteads. At the average rate of advancement of 250 m/day (820 ft/day) since September 10, we project that lava could flow from its current location into the northwest part of Kaohe Homesteads within a day, and to the Pāhoa Village Road (government road) in Pāhoa within 20 days, if lava is not further confined within the cracks and down-dropped blocks within the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano. These estimates will be continually refined as we track this lava flow.

Kaohe Homesteads is located between the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve and the town of Pāhoa in the Puna District of the County of Hawai`i.

Recent Observations: Lava flow continued to advance north northeast and has slowed since September 10 to a rate of 250 m/day (820 ft/day).

Hazard Analysis: Lava flow from Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent could reach the northwest corner of Kaohe Homesteads within a day and the Pāhoa Village Road (government road) in Pāhoa within 20 days.

Remarks: The Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent in the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano began erupting on January 3, 1983, and has continued erupting for more than 31 years, with the majority of lava flows advancing to the south. Over the past two years, lava flows have issued from the vent toward the northeast. The June 27th flow is the most recent of these flows and the first to threaten a residential area since 2010-2011. On June 27, 2014, new vents opened on the northeast flank of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō cone and fed a narrow lava flow to the east-northeast. On August 18, the flow entered a ground crack, traveled underground for several days, then resurfaced to form a small lava pad. This sequence was repeated three more times over the following days with lava entering and filling other cracks before reappearing at the surface, in two of the cases farther downslope. Lava emerged from the last crack on September 6, forming a surface flow that initially moved to the north, then to the northeast, at a rate of 400 m/day (1,300 ft/day). Since September 10, the rate of advancement has slowed to 250 m/day (820 ft/day).


Pahoa Area Merchants Meeting (9/10/14) Video courtesy of Occupy Hilo.


Video courtesy of Paradise Helicopters


Mayor Kenoi takes the mic at the Thursday (Sept 11) lava flow update meeting in Pahoa. Video by David Corrigan | Big Island Video News

Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption Audio Update for September 12, 2014

Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption and Lava Flow Information Update for Friday, September 12, 2014 at 10 a.m.

The current assessment shows the surface lava flow continues towards the Northeast and has advanced approximately 200 yards since yesterday. Presently the leading edge of the surface flow is located approximately 0.2 miles from the Northwest or upper corner of the Wao Kele Forest Reserve and Kaohe homesteads boundary. Currently the flow does not pose and immediate threat to area communities however residents of the Kaohe Subdivision are advised to monitor the local radio broadcasts for further updates and for possible evacuation instructions if conditions change. Residents will be given adequate notice to safely evacuate should that be necessary. Personnel of the Civil Defense Office will be continuing door to door surveys and notification in the North Road area of Kaohe Homesteads.

Residents in the subdivisions of Hawaiian Beaches and Hawaiian Paradise Park are advised that construction activities on the Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road started yesterday and running continuously through the weekend and next week. These activities are to establish alternate road access in the event Highway 130 is affected by the lava flow.

The public is reminded that the flow cannot be accessed and is not visible from any public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision will be restricted and limited to subdivision residents only.

Everyone’s cooperation and assistance is greatly appreciated.

LavaFlowInfoFairFlyer


View Alternate Routes In/Out of Lower Puna in a larger map
Potential evacuation routes/alternative roads DPW, DLNR and DOT are looking at. NOTE: Routes in Pink are aproximate drawings from a County map presented. Railroad Avenue and Beach Road are existing but would need to be improved.

A list of questions and answers between Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association and Warren Lee, Director of Hawaii County Public Works regarding the re-establishment of Railroad Avenue and Beach Road.

PDF File of the Q&A

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION WARNS OF HEALTH EFFECTS FROM SMOKE

The American Lung Association in Hawaii warns visitors and people living near the lava flow in Puna to take precautions against smoke exposure from burning vegetation and low levels of sulfur dioxide.

This smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles released as vegetation burns. In addition to burning your eyes, these fine particles and gases can be inhaled deeply into your lungs, making it harder to breathe.

Exposure can worsen other chronic health conditions such as asthma or heart disease.

Exposure to sulfur dioxide, a gas emitted by volcanoes, can also be harmful, burning the nose and throat and causing breathing difficulties.

Residents with respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and also those with chronic heart disease should take extra precautions during this time and call their physician immediately if problems develop.

“Even those without lung diseases may be at risk during this time,” said Kim Nguyen, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Hawaii. “With exposure to smoke, there is an increased risk of dangerous health effects ranging from respiratory tract irritation to more serious illness, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and premature death. This is especially true for children, older adults and outdoor workers.”

People living near affected areas are encouraged to do the following:

  • Stay inside as much as possible, with doors and windows shut. Make sure only clean air circulates through air conditioners and/or air cleaners by using the recirculation setting.
  • When driving through smoky areas, car windows and vents should be kept closed. Air conditioning should be set to “recirculate” to avoid exposure to unhealthy outside air.
  • Avoid exercising outdoors, particularly if you smell smoke or experience eye or throat irritation.
  • Individuals with asthma are encouraged to contact their physician regarding any changes in medication they may need to cope with smoky conditions. The American Lung Association advises asthma patients who cannot reach their doctor to continue to take their medication and closely follow their asthma action plan as prescribed.

If you have questions, you can call the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNG-USA (choose option #2) to speak to a lung health expert.

For more information about the American Lung Association in Hawaii or to support the work it does, call (808) 537-5966 or visit www.lung.org/hawaii

HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY

Unpredictable lava flows remind us that upfront planning now can ease stressful situations should there be a need to evacuate. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The Hawaii Island Humane Society has a few tips to help keep animals safe in the event of an evacuation:

HIHS encourages all pet owners to be safe and prepared. If you are advised to evacuate, please consider your pet’s safety. Do not leave animals behind.

Develop a plan for their ongoing care including transportation arrangements.

Larger animals including horses and livestock may need to be moved well in advance. Call friends or family members to locate alternate pastures.

Gather items for your pet’s emergency kit –

  • Crate
  • Leash
  • Food
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Identification
  • Medication (if applicable)

If you evacuate, arrive at your destination prepared with your pet’s emergency kit and take your pets!

The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Society is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaii to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, micro-chipping and more.

For further information, call 808-329-1175 or visit www.hihs.org

Hui Pono Holoholona offering temporary shelter to cats displaced by lava. Owners provide food, litter, medications.

Email: lava@hphhawaii.org

HelpPuna.com Helps Animal Evacuation

The June 27 lava flow poses a threat to farms and homes in the Puna area near Pahoa. Since this flow is in an agricultural area, it also threatens farm animals such as chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, in addition to dogs and cats.

All these animals would need to be evacuated in the event of an approaching lava flow. As people prepare for possible evacuation, they need to prepare and plan for evacuating their livestock and pets, too.

Finding accommodations for displaced people and their animals could become a major challenge as this lava flow continues. H.E.L.P. Puna is providing a free website service for residents who need to find places to protect their animals, and other residents in safe areas who wish to offer their properties as “Places of Refuge”.

H.E.L.P. is the Hawaii Evacuation of Livestock and Pets, a program of the Good Shepherd Foundation, a nonprofit organization with an animal sanctuary in Opihikao, not far from the lava flow.

Everyone is invited to offer their property as a haven from the lava flow for any livestock and pets they can accommodate. Some will be willing to accept only certain types of animals, such as dogs or cats. Others may have large fenced pastures or yards where they can take horses, sheep, or goats. Still others may have small backyards where they can only take chickens.

Those offering their places as refuges can do so for free or for a fee. It is between the parties to decide all financial issues and ensure there is a good fit.

We also invite those with animal trailers to offer their services on this website. Some people will need help moving their animals.

— Find out more:
www.HelpPuna.com

3 Responses to “LavaTalk: September 12, 2014 update on Kilauea’s lava flow”

  1. Vivian T says:

    Aloha, a request for update of information was received. Am forwarding on to you the request. Mahalo, HPH

    Aloha,
    living near Pahoa, I read the Lavatalk update every day, and I see your important message about dealing with pets during this time. Please change the first line in your statement, you are giving people confusing and wrong info to everyone that the lava flow has stalled.
    “Unpredictable lava flows in the Puna District have seemingly stalled,”
    Everyone needs to be on the same page with the lava info that is changing daily.
    Mahalo,
    Garry Palm

  2. kat greasby says:

    for those of us threatened by lava engulfing properties our beloved pets too need extra love and concerns for there safety. please open up all parks and camping sites, free if possible to the fleeing families with there pets. we will end up somewhere, so better to get organized. I know for me my pets are my family. this island as a whole should be open to all residents in danger of Pelé or just the fear of killer gases…..for however long! ty

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