HONOLULU, Nov 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The world’s largest active volcano burst into life for the first time in 40 years, spewing lava and hot ash in a spectacular display of nature’s fury by Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
Rivers of molten rock could be seen high up on the volcano, venting huge clouds of steam and smoke at the summit on Big Island, and sparking warnings the situation could change rapidly.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the eruption could be seen from 72km away, in the town of Kona the west coast of Hawaii’s main island.
The eruption, which began shortly before midnight on Sunday, was initially contained within the caldera – the concave area at the top of the volcano – but vulcanologists said on Monday lava was now escaping from cracks in its side.
The agency said there was currently no threat to people living below the eruption zone, but warned that the volcano was volatile.
Experts also cautioned that winds could carry volcanic gas and fine ash downslope, as well as Pele’s Hair – the name given to fine strands of volcanic glass formed when lava skeins cool quickly in the air.
Named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, the strands can be very sharp and pose potential danger to skin and eyes.
Authorities in Hawaii have not issued any evacuation orders, although the summit area and several roads in the region were closed, and two shelters have been opened as a precaution.
The largest volcano on Earth by volume, Mauna Loa, whose name means “Long Mountain,” covers half of the Big Island and is larger than the rest of the Hawaiian islands combined.
One of six active volcanoes on the Hawaiian islands, Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843. — NNN-AGENCIES
