Hawaii Volcano Erupts Near Homes In Pahoa

The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has caused evacuations in Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii. MSN News reports that the flowing lava has forced a few dozen residents to leave their homes. Authorities prepared locals to be ready for an evacuation as the molten rock crossed the country road in Pahoa. The lava was moving about 10 yards for every hour as of Saturday. Kilauea volcano is one of the most active.

Kilauea volcano is a beautiful Hawaiian site with active eruptions since 1983. On its way to the sea, the lava has destroyed several sections of Kalapana and Royal Garden, coming closer to the Pahoa area. It is about 300,000 to 600,000 years old. In Hawaii, it is also considered the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.

Darryl Oliviera, the director of civil defense in the Hawaii County area, stated that authorities have gone door-to-door and prepared well in advance for the volcanic eruptions from Kilauea.

“This is all something we’ve been preparing for and hoping wouldn’t have to happen,” Oliveira said.

Pahoa is a commercial and industrial area of Hawaii, as opposed to previously destroyed areas with more rural structures. For the past few months, Pahoa has been under careful watch.

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The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has collected information and monitored the volcano’s path.

According to geologist Matt Patrick, “It’s not clear when it might reach the village road as the flow has been advancing erratically.”

Kilauea is the most active Hawaiian volcano on the Big Island. The volcano is almost always erupting is some manner, either from actual eruptions or through small eruption vents throughout its summit and rift zones.

Weather reports that the lava flow has taken place for several weeks, with emergency crews creating alternate routes to the populated areas and commercial areas, too. Using concrete, teams have secured power poles and tried to prepare for disaster, should the lava fully flow into the populated area. The pace, similar to rain falling into a gutter, has posed a problem for emergency crews. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has asked for a presidential disaster declaration to receive federal assistance in helping the local emergency responders.

When it comes to natural disasters, Hawaii is important due to its five volcanic mountains. Recently, Inquisitr reported on an earthquake that hit Hawaii before a hurricane. These types of natural events help scientists determine weather patterns and atmospheric changes that keep people in populated areas safe.

[Photo courtesy of AP Photo/ U.S. Geological Survey / MSN]