Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts prompting authorities to raise alert level

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began erupting on Wednesday, sending lava up as much as 200 feet into the air and prompting authorities to raise the alert level in nearby areas. 

“At approximately 4:44 a.m. HST on June 7, 2023, the (US Geological Survey’s) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected glow in Kīlauea summit webcam images indicating that an eruption has commenced within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park,” the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) said in a statement on Wednesday.

After a three-month-long pause, the “eruptions are dynamic,” the HV said. The eruption of the volcano caused massive lava flows around the Halemaumau Crater. At least 33 feet of new lava has been added to the crater’s floor. 

The USGS has shared a live video of the ongoing eruption, showing the hot lava flowing through the crater and bubbling up in other sections. 

While the eruption is currently within the boundaries of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, authorities raised the alert level for Kilauea to red, the observatory added. 

“At this time there is NO indication that populated areas are threatened,” the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said on Twitter, while urging people to try to keep updated on the situation in case there are any changes. Officials said there might be a potential for vog and ashfall in nearby areas. 

National Park Service (NPS) officials believe the eruption “is expected to draw thousands of visitors” to the park, who are expecting to catch a glimpse of the lava shooting upward. However, visitors are still being urged to follow the safety precautions to avoid placing their lives in possible danger. 

“Witnessing the crust of an active lava lake being dragged into seething fountains is unforgettable. While an eruption is an exciting experience, keep in mind you are observing a sacred event,” the NPS said.