(Daily Mail) Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, has erupted for the first time in 38 years, triggering an ash fall warning and multiple earthquakes on Hawaii’s main island.
The eruption began in the summit caldera of Mauna Loa late on Sunday night. Currently, the US Geological Survey does not believe there is any risk of magma fall, but an ash fall advisory has been issued.
Some residents of the South Kona coast have begun to voluntarily evacuate, though no evacuation orders are in place yet.
Historically, the volcano’s lava rivers have flowed into different communities including Hilo, which has nearly 20,000 residents, and Kukio – a billionaire’s paradise which has blossomed over the last 38 years and now counts some of the world’s richest people among residents.
In a statement, the NWS said: ‘At this time, lava flows are contained within the summit area and are not threatening downslope communities. Winds may carry volcanic gas and possibly fine ash and Pele’s hair downwind.
‘Residents at risk from Mauna Loa lava flows should review preparedness and refer to Hawai‘i County Civil Defense information for further guidance.
‘Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly.’
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa – the world’s largest active volcano – has erupted, the U.S. Geological Service’s (USGS) volcanic activity service has said. Pictured: An image released by the USGS shows the lava flow from Sunday night’s eruption
The sky on Hawaii’s largest island in the early hours of Monday morning after Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, erupted for the first time in 38 years
Residents awoke to earthquakes in the early hours of Monday morning after the eruption. There is currently no risk of magma fall, according to the US Geological Survey
A webcam view of the eruption on Mauna Loa on Monday morning. This shows the caldera of the volcano as it erupted
