Hawaii volcano eruption destroys 35 structures -- and the lava keeps flowing
Leilani Estates, Hawaii (CNN)The destructive tear of this volcanic eruption isn't over yet.
Lava and hazardous fumes are still spewing on Hawaii's Big Island on Monday, four days after the Kilauea volcano erupted.
By Monday morning, 35 structures -- including at least 26 homes -- had been destroyed, Hawaii Civil Defense said.
Authorities are now pleading with tourists and sightseers to avoid Leilani Estates, where lava and fumes are bursting through giant cracks in the ground.
"Please, the residents of Leilani need your help," Hawaii Civil Defense said. "This is not the time for sightseeing. You can help tremendously by staying out of the area."
Even longtime residents on Big Island are astonished by the magnitude of this destruction.
"It's nothing that I've ever experienced on a personal level ever before," said Jessica Ferracane, a spokesperson for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
First lava, then quakes
Kilauea volcano erupted Thursday, spewing molten rock and high levels of sulfur dioxide.
Even worse, cracks emerged in the volcano's East Rift Zone -- an area of fissures miles away from the volcano's summit.
All 1,700 residents of Leilani Estates, as well as nearby Lanipuna Gardens, were ordered to evacuate.
But now they have another fear: frequent earthquakes after the eruption.
"That's the big concern for everybody on the island," Ferracane said Monday. "The earthquakes continued through the night."
After a 6.9 magnitude quake struck Friday, Big Island has endured an average of one earthquake per hour.
Lava spills through Hawaii neighborhood 01:12
Some Leilani Estates residents were able to return home to retrieve pets, medicine and vital documents.
But even a quick visit home could be dangerous.
"Please be aware that because of unstable conditions that involve toxic gas, earthquakes and lava activities, lines of safety can change at any time," Hawaii Civil Defense said. "You must be prepared to leave areas if required."
The Hawaii State Department of Education said all public schools on Big Island are open Monday, but that students absent due to evacuations would not be penalized. It said school buildings had been checked for earthquake damage and found to be safe.
Dangerous volcanic gases
The eruptions have released high levels of sulfur dioxide into the air, and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says the gas can be life-threatening.
Breathing large amounts of sulfur dioxide can result in burning of the nose and throat, and breathing difficulties. Senior citizens, the young and people with respiratory issues are especially vulnerable to the gas, the state's Emergency Management Agency said.
The Hawaii Department of Health has warned consumers that no masks sold to the general public in stores will protect against "the extremely dangerous volcanic gases" being released.
"First responders require special masks and training not available to private citizens," the department said in a statement Sunday.
"The best way to protect yourself and your family from the extremely dangerous volcanic gases is to leave the immediate area of the volcano defined by the police and fire department," it said.
The American Red Cross has opened two shelters at the Pahoa and Keaau Community Centers, where some evacuees have gathered while they await news about their homes.
Comments
Post a Comment