Lava sparks new evacuation order
People remaining in threat area ‘do so at own risk,’ Hawaii mayor says
A new round of mandatory evacuations on Hawaii’s Big Island went into effect Friday as authorities warned that anyone who stays behind could be held liable for rescue costs if they get trapped and call for help.
The latest order covers much of Leilani Estates, where at least 40 homes have been destroyed. The lava has also burned at least 400 power poles, Hawaii Electric Light Co. reported, cutting power to most of the area.
Scientists say the lava leaking from the Kilauea volcano is shooting up to 250 feet in the air. It’s also approaching a major intersection of two roads used to access the area, potentially blocking both planned escape routes. Contractors are bulldozing an alternative escape route through the adjacent Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
“Persons remaining in the mandatory evacuation area … do so at their own risk with the knowledge that emergency responders may not respond,” Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said. “Persons in violation of this order are subject to arrest and will be liable for any costs associated with rescue operations in the mandatory evacuation area.”
Authorities ordered the neighborhood evacuated May 3, but after the initial closure, residents were allowed to visit homes during daylight hours.
As the eruption continued, an increasing number of people have remained behind each night, including journalists who have rented houses so they can legally remain within the evacuation area.