Authorities in Hawaii announced on Monday that Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, has begun erupting for the first time since 1984, sending volcanic ash and debris raining down in the nearby area.
An eruption began in the summit caldera of Mauna Loa, known as Moku’weoweo, at roughly 11:30 p.m. HST, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. For the time being, the eruption is contained at the peak and poses no danger.
“The Observatory has increased the Volcano Alert Level from “advisory” to “warning,” with aviation alert upgraded to “red.” Some ash and volcanic glass fibers may become airborne and blow downwind,” the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (EMA) reported.
Honolulu’s National Weather Service has issued an Ashfall Advisory for all of Hawai‘i island until 6 a.m. HST Monday.
“Up to a quarter-inch of ash is expected around and downwind of Mauna Loa. People with breathing difficulties should stay indoors, and cover nose/mouth with cloth or a mask.”
Read the statement below from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Status Report:
The eruption continues at the summit of Mauna Loa. All vents remain restricted to the summit area. However, lava flows in the summit region are visible from Kona. There is currently no indication of any migration of the eruption into a rift zone.
The Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code for Mauna Loa remains at WARNING/RED.
HVO is continuing to monitor conditions carefully and will issue additional notices as needed.
Watch the video below:
BREAKING: World’s largest active volcano Mauna Loa has started to erupt in Hawaii for the first time since 1984 pic.twitter.com/BkVgGyehem
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) November 28, 2022
JUST IN: Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest active volcano in the world, has erupted. This is its first eruption in 38 years.
An “Ashfall Advisory” is in effect until 6AM local time where a quarter inch of ash is possible.@JimCantore @StephanieAbrams @spann pic.twitter.com/MbyS6p9k8D
— Collin Gross (@CollinGrossWx) November 28, 2022
