US volcano erupts more after quake

LEILANI ESTATES: A magnitude 6.9 earthquake has shaken Hawaii’s Big Island, prompting fresh eruptions from a volcano that has been spewing lava near residential areas, forcing hundreds of people to flee.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at 12:32 pm local time and was centered on the south flank of the Kilauea volcano, which first erupted on Thursday after a series of tremors. “This is in almost exactly the same location as the deadly 1975 M 7.1 quake,” USGC said in a tweet. That quake killed two people and injured 28.

Another 5.7-magnitude tremor had hit the island earlier on Friday and authorities said they expect more seismic activity.

The quakes have prompted the Kilauea volcano, one of five active on the island, to erupt. Drone and video footage showed orange magma gushing up from cracks in the ground and snaking through a wooded area.

Molten lava could also be seen bubbling up through cracks on streets in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens neighbourhood where residents were ordered to evacuate on Thursday.

The area is home to about 1,700 people and 770 structures. The broader district is home to some 10,000 people.

No injuries have been reported but several homes were said to have been destroyed or badly damaged, authorities said.

Officials urged any remaining residents to evacuate and warned of high levels of toxic fumes. “Hawaii Fire Department reports extremely dangerous air quality conditions due to high levels of sulfur dioxide gas in the evacuation area,” the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said.

“Elderly, young and people with respiratory issues need to comply with the mandatory evacuation order,” said a statement from the mayor’s office.