Puna braces for possible lava danger
The leading edge of the June 27th lava flow plunged into a deep crack on Kiølauea's East Rift Zone last week, and lava within the crack remained hidden for several days. Over the past day, lava returned to the surface at a point slightly farther along the crack, creating a small island of lava surrounded by thick forest.
HILO >> A Big Island region still reeling from damage left behind by a tropical storm is now bracing for a lava flow that’s within 2 miles of a subdivision.
Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira says the lava doesn’t pose an immediate danger, but scientists continue to track its flow.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Jim Kauahikaua says it could quickly become threatening.
The June 27 flow, named for the date it emerged, is moving northeast on Kilauea volcano’s East Rift Zone.
By Monday afternoon it reached within 2 miles of Kaohe homesteads.
Oliveira told residents at a Monday night meeting at the Pahoa Community Center that evacuation notices would be given with days’ notice.
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Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports those who attended the crowded meeting had lots of questions for officials.
