Mauna Loa has erupted for the first time in 38 years. The last time that the world’s largest volcano erupted was in 1984. Mauna Loa has recently been reported as being in a state of “heightened arrest” and the volcano alert has been moved from “advisory” to “warning.”
Parts of Hawaii were under an ashfall advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
They said up to a quarter-inch of ash could accumulate in some areas.
Officials have said that the eruption isn’t likely to threaten communities at this stage.
But, they warned: “Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly.
“If the eruption remains in Moku’āweoweo, lava flows will most likely be confined within the caldera walls.
“However, if the eruptive vents migrate outside its walls, lava flows may move rapidly downslope.”
Officials have recorded more than a dozen earthquakes today. One even “measured 4.2 magnitudes on the Richter Scale.” They have not asked anyone to evacuate, but they do want citizens to have emergency plans in place. Officials have told everyone to have a “go bag” with food and water and to decide on a safe place to take shelter with family and friends.
The administrator for Hawaii County Civil Defense, Talmadge Magno, meanwhile, told families to remain vigilant.
He said: “Not to panic everybody, but they have to be aware of that you live on the slopes of Mauna Loa. There’s a potential for some kind of lava disaster.”
I’m sure they’re ready for this and hopefully, the citizens will listen to officials if it does come to being evacuated.
Source The Sun
