Kilauea Eruption: Lava covers PGV well, Leilani Estates evacuation Sunday (May 27)

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/

Kilauea Eruption Update

7:45 p.m. UPDATE: Leilani Estates residents on Nohea St and Luana St between Leilani Ave and Kahukai, and Kupono Street between Malama Street and Leilani Avenue need to evacuate immediately due to a fast-moving lava flow from Fissure 7.


Lava overruns a Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) well site as fast moving flows and fires tear through Leilani Estates. Time-lapse movie of Kilauea’s Lower East Rift Zone in Puna. The camera is positioned near Kapoho looking Northwest. From left to right on the horizon. May 26-27, 2018. Images courtesy of USGS/HVO

Location of Fissure 7 in Leilani Estates Sunday (May 27).

Location of Fissure 7 in Leilani Estates Sunday (May 27).

Map as of 2:30 p.m. HST, May 27, 2018. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

Map as of 2:30 p.m. HST, May 27, 2018. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

This image shows radar data acquired by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite over Kīlauea Volcano on May 19 at 6:30 PM HST (left) compared to May 25 at 6:30 PM HST (right). The satellite transmits a radar signal toward the surface and measures the strength of the return, with bright areas indicating a strong return and dark areas a weak return. Strong returns indicate rough surfaces or slopes that point back at the radar, while weak returns come from smooth surfaces or slopes angled away from the radar. Comparing the two images shows that the summit eruptive vent continues to expand as the unsupported conduit walls collapse. As of the afternoon of May 25, the vent expansion included not only continued westward growth of the vent rim, but also a subsidiary pit on the north part of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater. The vent area is now approximately 90 acres, and we anticipate further enlargements over the coming days to weeks as subsidence of Kīlauea caldera, rockfalls, and small explosions continue.

This image shows radar data acquired by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite over KÄ«lauea Volcano on May 19 at 6:30 PM HST (left) compared to May 25 at 6:30 PM HST (right). The satellite transmits a radar signal toward the surface and measures the strength of the return, with bright areas indicating a strong return and dark areas a weak return. Strong returns indicate rough surfaces or slopes that point back at the radar, while weak returns come from smooth surfaces or slopes angled away from the radar. Comparing the two images shows that the summit eruptive vent continues to expand as the unsupported conduit walls collapse. As of the afternoon of May 25, the vent expansion included not only continued westward growth of the vent rim, but also a subsidiary pit on the north part of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater. The vent area is now approximately 90 acres, and we anticipate further enlargements over the coming days to weeks as subsidence of KÄ«lauea caldera, rockfalls, and small explosions continue.

Pāhoehoe lava advancing west from fissure 7 (lava fountain in background) on Leilani Avenue. Fissure 7 activity increased overnight, with lava fountains reaching 50 to 60 m (164 to 197 ft) high. Photo taken Sunday, May 27, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Pāhoehoe lava advancing west from fissure 7 (lava fountain in background) on Leilani Avenue. Fissure 7 activity increased overnight, with lava fountains reaching 50 to 60 m (164 to 197 ft) high. Photo taken Sunday, May 27, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Kilauea eruption Lower East Rift Zone in Puna Saturday, May 26, 2018. Photos courtesy of Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Kilauea eruption Lower East Rift Zone in Puna Saturday, May 26, 2018. Photos courtesy of Hawaii County Civil Defense.

This is a Civil Defense Message for 7:45 p.m., Sunday, May 27, 2018.

Lava flow from Fissures 7 and 21 crossed into PGV property overnight and has now covered one well that was successfully plugged.  That well, along with a second well 100 feet away, are stable and secured, and are being monitored.  Also due to preventative measures, neither well is expected to release any hydrogen sulfide.

The following is provided for your information:

  • The special task force headed by Tom Travis continues to work to make the wells safe and to prevent any threats to the public from developing.
  • There is no hydrogen sulfide detected despite the covering of the one well.
  • The public will be kept informed of the situation.
  • Community meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Pahoa High School Cafeteria

Due to changing wind conditions, gases and vog emissions may increase in areas downwind of the vents in the lower east rift zone. The following policies are in effect:

  • Take action to limit further exposure to volcanic gases and be prepared to leave the area with little to no notice.
  • Due to southerly winds and heavy output of vog from the summit on Monday night, be prepared for a possible increase in vog and volcanic gas levels in the Hamakua area, lower Hilo and Puna.

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/

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

  • Take action to limit further exposure and be prepared to leave the area with little to no notice if necessary.
  • Visibility may decrease. First responders are asking everyone be safe on the roadways and slow down.
  • Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions.  Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park.
  • Stay alert for warnings from Civil Defense officials.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Vog

Click on image for a full description of air quality levels.

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.

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