Vents quiet after spewing lava on Hawaiian island
THE eight vents that sent lava from Kilauea volcano shooting into a residential part of Hawaii’s Big Island are quieting down.
Hawaii County spokeswoman Kanani Aton said yesterday the vents were releasing steam and gas.
The fissures opened since Thursday, when Kilauea began erupting in the Leilani Estates neighbourhood.
The county has ordered people to evacuate because of the threat posed by the lava and toxic gas.
Aton says residents may be allowed back in to pick up medicine or care for pets if sulfur dioxide readings come down to safe levels.
New vents haven’t formed in addition to the eight but that could quickly change. Leilani Estates is in the mostly rural Puna district of the Big Island.
One Hawaii resident said strong earthquakes prompted her to evacuate as Kilauea volcano unleashed lava into her neighbourhood.
Tesha “Mirah” Montoya said it felt like the side of her hill was going to explode when the ground shook.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place for about 1700 Big Island residents after numerous lava vents have opened in the ground. The lava has burned five homes.
The area is also getting swarms of earthquakes.