Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again on Thursday, marking its 45th eruption in the past year and a half. The eruption began early in the morning, with lava fountains reaching up to 1,000 feet high. The overall plume of lava, gas, steam, and ash rose to 16,500 feet above ground level. Located in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and has been erupting periodically since December 2024. These eruptions have been confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, posing no direct threat to homes or people. However, volcanic gas can cause respiratory issues, and ash fragments, known as “tephra,” can cause skin and eye irritation. The USGS has issued a volcano watch and an “orange” aviation alert, while the National Weather Service has warned of ashfall for nearby communities. Previous eruptions have led to temporary closures and the opening of shelters for affected residents and tourists.
QUESTION: How might the frequent eruptions of Kilauea impact the local environment and community in the long term?
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts yet again
