Hawaii’s Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, began erupting early on Monday, June 3, according to the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The eruption occurred in a remote area about 1.6 kilometers south of the Kilauea caldera, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and was last active in December 1974.
Eruption Details and Initial Response
Six hours after the eruption started, officials reported that it did not pose a significant threat, with minor or no ash emissions expected. Later, the observatory noted that the eruption had “paused.” Since 2008, the area around the caldera has been closed due to hazards like ground cracking and crater wall instability.
“Glow is visible in webcam imagery, indicating that lava is currently erupting from fissures,” stated the USGS observatory.
Community reaction and safety measures
Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth reassured residents, noting that eruptions within the park are familiar occurrences and pose no immediate threat to property. “People just need to realize this is in one of the safest places it could have happened. Absolutely no property in danger,” he said.
Despite the remote location of the eruption, civil defense officials warned about potential elevated gas levels and advised those sensitive to volcanic gases to take precautions. Volcanic gas can react with the atmosphere to create “vog” (volcanic smog), which can be harmful to health, affect livestock, and damage plants.
“The only thing I’m a little worried about right now is air quality,” Mayor Roth added, mentioning that communities like Oceanview and Naalehu might experience air-quality issues.
Seismic activity and ongoing monitoring
Nearly 250 earthquakes were recorded beneath the Kilauea summit in the hours leading up to the eruption. The observatory remains cautious, unable to predict the duration of the current eruption.
“The eruption is currently ongoing but is taking place in a remote location within the national park, is low in eruptive volume, and does not pose an immediate threat to human life or critical infrastructure,” the observatory concluded.