Hawaii County Civil Defense interactive map of roadblocks, subdivisions, and eruption fissures: hawaii247.com/lavamap

USGS Resources related to the 2018 Kilauea Lower East Rift Zone eruption and Summit Activity

KÄ«lauea Eruption Information Resources: www.hawaiicounty.gov/lava-related/

Lower East Rift Zone Kilauea Eruption Update

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory status of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on May 23, 2018 by Wendy Stovall, USGS Volcanologist.

A blue burning flame of methane gas was observed in the cracks on Kahukai Street during the overnight hours. When lava buries plants and shrubs, methane gas is produced as a byproduct of burning vegetation. Methane gas can seep into subsurface voids and explode when heated, or as shown in this video, emerge from cracks in the ground several feet away from the lava. When ignited, the methane produces a blue flame. Video taken Wednesday, May 23, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Helicopter overflight of lower East Rift Zone ocean entry and fissure complex on May 23, 2018, around 8 a.m. HST. Video taken Wednesday, May 23, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Fissure 6 builds a lava berm across Pohoiki Road. Photo taken Wednesday, May 23, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

View from a helicopter of the channelized lava flow and active ocean entry. The fissure complex is visible in the upper center of the image. Photo taken Wednesday, May 23, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Helicopter overflight of KÄ«lauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone shows the lava channel emerging from Fissure 22 (not visible, but to the center, far right of the image). The lava is flowing downhill, from right to left in the photo. Photo taken Wednesday, May 23, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Map as of 12 noon HST, May 23. On the main map, light purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015. On the inset map (lower right), the dark purple area indicates locations of KÄ«lauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone, Southwest Rift Zone, and summit, and the light purple area indicates the extent of KÄ«lauea.

Panorama of Lower East Rift Zone Webcam at 6:06 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Image courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.

This is a Civil Defense Message for 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2018.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a new lava flow is expected to enter the ocean east of MacKenzie State Park tonight.  Eruption activity continues in the Lower East Rift Zone.  The middle portion of the fissure system is the most active with flows and ground cracking in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens.

Due to volcanic activity, information on Puna Geothermal Venture is provided for your awareness:

• The situation remains stable, lava has not encroached further onto PGV property.
• County, state and federal crews are on the scene, and monitoring for sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.
• There is no hydrogen sulfide detected at this time.

Frequent ash emissions continue at the Kilauea summit. Take action to avoid exposure to ash.

To help our residents, we are distributing free masks for ash protection:

• Distribution runs tonight through Friday from 3:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Masks will be distributed at Ocean View Community Center, Naalehu Community Center, Pahala Community Center, Cooper Center, and Shipman Gym in Keaau.
• Each person may receive up to three masks.
• Masks do not protect against gasses and vapors. They will only provide filtering for ash.

Due to the current activity, residents down rift should be prepared to voluntarily evacuate at a moment’s notice. Stay alert to messages issued by Civil Defense.

Due to unsafe conditions, the following policies are in effect:

• Kalapana and Kapoho Roads are open to residents only. Identification is required.
• Highway 137 is closed to all traffic between Kamaili Road and Pohoiki Road.
• Kamaili Road is closed to all thru traffic.

Due to the lava entry at the ocean, the following policies are in effect:

• Access to the area is prohibited due to the laze hazard.
• Stay away from any ocean plume since it can change direction without warning.
• The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the ocean entry area and enforcing a 300-meter standoff zone. Only permitted tour boats are allowed in the area.
• Health hazards of laze include lung, eye and skin irritation.
• Be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.
• Tankers are providing drinking water in Vacationland & Kapoho.
• For those evacuating, the Pahoa Community Center, Keaau Community Center, and Sure Foundation Church are open.  Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.

For your information:

• HELCO advises Leilani Estates residents to be aware of downed power lines.  Always assume the lines are active and exercise extreme caution.

A third shelter has opened.  Sure Foundation, located on Pohaku Circle in Keaau, is now open.

• People from Pahoa who have breathing concerns are relocating from the Pahoa Community Center shelter to the Sure Foundation shelter. The shelter will cater specifically to people with breathing issues, but everyone is welcome.

Get the latest Vog Predictions here: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/vmap/

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) and Vog

Click on image for full description of air quality levels.

Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents in lower Puna.

• Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) gas from fissures are especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.

County, State, and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.

Monitor vog levels and forecasts: People on Hawaii Island outside the area of volcanic activity are also advised to monitor levels of vog at https://vog.ivhhn.org

The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time.  We ask for your help and understanding.