Scientists warn of possible huge, once-in-a century eruption of Kilauea volcano

USGS

A lava lake forms in one of Kiluaea craters.

SCIENTISTS are warning of the possibility that the volcanic activity generated by Kilauea Volcano could result in a violent eruption spewing huge boulders towards neighboring communities.

More residents of nearby communities began preparing for evacuation to join neighbors from Leilani Estates who have already fled from their neighborhood that is in the path of lava flows.

Scientists of the United States Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory think conditions could be right for a major explosion within a few days. The last time that happened was in 1924, it blasting rock and ash more than five miles into the air.

Tina Neal, who's in charge of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, told reporters that the the city of Hilo - 25 miles northeast of Kilauea - could be exposed to volcanic air pollution and a coating of ash should the explosive eruptions begin and prevailing wind directions shift.

The scientists, however, said they were uncertain exactly when the new eruption would occur, how long it would last or how violent it would be.

"Steam-driven explosions at volcanoes typically provide very little warning," said uthe HVO scientist.

It said the "projectiles" emerging from the crater could range from pebbles to rocks weighing several tons.

The steady lowering of the lava lake in "Overlook crater" within Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano has raised the potential for explosive eruptions in the coming weeks, reports the USGS website.

The USGS also warns that if the lava column drops to the level of groundwater beneath Kīlauea Caldera, the influx of water into the conduit could cause steam-driven explosions. 

All 1900 residents of Leilani Estates and Laipuna Garden areas, around 25 miles east of the crater, have been evacuated. Lava flows have already destroyed almost 40 structures in that community.

The fumes of steam and sulfur dioxide and ash spewing forth from the lava flows and the crater may cause irritation but shouldn't cause any long-term health problems.

The symptoms of an exposure to toxic gas is similar to an asthma attack, said Hazel Tagalicud, a nurse in Hilo. 

“They both cause respiratory problems, kind of similar symptoms, your chest tightening, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing almost the same as an asthma attack.”

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Evacuees fleeing Kilauea gather at a makeshift shelter.

No one lives in the immediate area near the volcano's crater. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is being closed Friday (May 10) and tourists are being told not to come to the area. 

On Monday night, a community meeting was held at Pahoa High School where officials gave updates to hundreds of residents, but also issued more warnings and telling residents to be ready to evacuate.

“There’s still plenty magma under the ground, seismicity is still up. We got more cracking on 130 that’s why Highway 130 is shut down,” said Talmadge Magno. “So we’re not done with this yet.”

One of the areas that would be directly affected if Highway 130 shuts down are the Puna and Pahoa areas, where 1300 Filipinos live, according to reports from Balitang America.

Taglicud and her family live in Pahao, just a few miles from the eruption. And  Wednesday, after Lanipuna gardens residents were asked to evacuate, they began making preparations for evacuating. 

“Just packing all the important and valuables that we have. Just in case we have to evacuate. We carried all the boxes to the car,” said Taglicud.

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