Scientists warn Hawaii residents to prepare for possible volcano eruption 

Hawaiian officials are warning residents of the Big Island that Mouna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, might erupt. 

Scientists have recorded a recent spike in earthquakes at the volcano’s summit, a sign that Mouna Loa might be preparing for an eruption. 

If the volcano were to explode, it would take only a few hours for the lava to reach the closest homes, according to experts. 

“Not to panic everybody, but they have to be aware that you live on the slopes of Mauna Loa. There’s a potential for some kind of lava disaster,” said Talmadge Magno, the administrator for Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Hawaii’s civil defense agency has been holding meetings across the island the educate and prepare the Big Island’s residents for an eruption. Authorities are recommending individuals keep a “go” bag with food and other supplies ready and make a plan to reunite with their families. 

Around 51% of the Big Island is made up of the volcano, indicating that most of the island would be affected if there were an eruption, Magno said. 

Mouna Loa, which rises 13,679 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level, last erupted in 1984. However, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the volcano has been in a state of “heightened unrest” since last month. 

The agency reported that the number of summit earthquakes increased from 10 to 20 a day to 40 to 50 a day. Scientists believe that the increase in earthquake activity is occurring because more magma is flowing into the volcano’s summit reservoir system. 

As a result, the observatory issued an alert level to “advisory” meaning that the volcano is showing signs of unrest, but there is no clear indication that an eruption is certain. However, authorities are taking the opportunity to prepare in case the alert level rises to “watch,” meaning that an eruption is imminent.