Mauna Loa Erupting first Since 1984

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Mauna Loa the worlds largest active volcano and is erupting for the first time since 1984. From USGS website this warning has been issued Alert Level: WARNING, Color Code: RED 2022-11-28 17:20:25 UTC

HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Mauna Loa (VNUM #332020) 

Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: RED

Issued: Monday, November 28, 2022, 7:20 AM HST 
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory 
Notice Number: 2022/H603 
Location: N 19 deg 28 min W 155 deg 36 min 
Elevation: 13681 ft (4170 m) 
Area: Hawaii 

Volcanic Activity Summary:

The eruption of Mauna Loa has migrated from the summit to the Northeast Rift Zone where fissures are feeding several lava flows. HVO staff on an overflight at approximately 6:30 a.m. HST confirmed fissures at high elevations within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are feeding lava flows upslope of the Mauna Loa Weather Observatory. Lava flows are not threatening any downslope communities and all indications are that the eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone. Volcanic gas and possibly fine ash and Pele’s Hair may be carried 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 rift zone eruption can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly.    

HVO is in close consultation with emergency management partners and will monitor the volcano closely to provide further updates on activity.  

Remarks:

Residents with questions about emergency response and resources that may be available to assist those at risk should consult https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/active-civil-defense-alerts-and-maps.  

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has closed the Mauna Loa Road from Kīpukapuaulu and the closure extends to the summit caldera; for more information please see https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.  

Vog information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/. 

Background:

Since the mid-19th century, Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone has erupted eight times: in 1843, 1852, 1855–1856, 1880–1881, 1899, 1935–1936, 1942, and 1984. Lava flows from the Northeast Rift Zone can travel in north, west, northwest, south, and southwest directions.

Hawaiʻi: Mauna Kea Mt. from Mauna Loa Observatory (looking to North)
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