(BIVN) – A new fissure has opened on the lower East Rift Zone and residents of Hale Kamahina Loop Road are being forced to evacuate.
According to a morning emergency message from Hawaii County Civil Defense:
Department of Public Works and Police have verified reports of a new fissure, number 18, opening up on Halekamahina Loop Road to the west, or Kalapana side of Highway 132. At this time, steam and lava spatter activity has started from this new fissure.
Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:
Residents of Hale Kamahina Loop Road are ordered to evacuate.
The Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.
Thank you for listening. Have a safe morning. This is your Hawai‘i County Civil Defense.
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Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has verified reports a new fissure, number 18, opening up to the west, or Kalapana side, of Highway 132 on Halekamahina Loop Road in lower Puna. Lava spatter activity and gas emissions are occurring at this time. The newest fissures are on private property, do not trespass.
Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:
Highway 132 and Highway 137 remain open for local traffic only.
Residents of Halekamahina Road are ordered to evacuate and be on the alert for gas emissions and lava spatter.
So it appears that the gas venting that was heard very early this morning was indeed the creation of a new lava fissure. I haven't seen a map yet indicating where the new fissure is located, but it must be close, or on, the road. So now both highways are closed that lead out from the coastline. Residents will have to use the small county style roads.....narrow, often poorer maintained, sometimes just gravel or dirt paved.
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