LIVE BLOG: Mauna Loa reduces lava output
COURTESY USGS
An aerial image of Fissure No. 3 erupting on Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone with decreased activity.
COURTESY USGS
An aerial image of Fissure No. 3 erupting on Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone with decreased activity.
COURTESY USGS
An aerial image of Fissure No. 3 erupting on Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone with decreased activity.
Editor’s Note: Bookmark this page. This story is developing and will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.
____
UPDATE: 3:58 p.m.
The Mauna Loa eruption’s lava output has been confined to the Fissure No. 3 vent and there has been no new lava oozing out, according to the latest update from Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
No communities are at risk at this time, officials report.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reduced Mauna Loa’s eruption alert level from a “warning” to a “watch,” signaling decreased volcanic activity. A “watch” means an eruption is underway with limited hazards.
As of 7 a.m. today, Fissure No. 3 resumes but with a greatly reduced output of lava and volcanic gas emissions. Short outbreaks of lava continue above the 10,000-foot elevation and no communities are at risk during this time. Most of the lava has been confined to a small pond within the vent as opposed to a lava fountain, officials said.
Officials said the reduced lava activity is resulting in a “minimal to no red lava viewing.”
The lava flow front has stalled 1.9 miles from the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, which remains open in both directions.
All areas adjacent to the highway, old Saddle Road and near the lava flow remain closed to the public as a precaution.
