Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, began erupting early Monday morning, December 23, 2024.
The eruption commenced around 2:20 a.m. local time, with fissures opening on the caldera floor, producing lava fountains and flows within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the surrounding summit area.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) elevated Kīlauea’s volcano alert level to “Warning” and the aviation color code to “Red,” indicating a significant eruption is underway.
The eruption is currently confined within the closed area of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and no communities are threatened at this time.
However, high levels of volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide, are being emitted, leading to the formation of volcanic smog (vog) downwind.
Residents and visitors are advised to minimize exposure to these gases, as they can cause respiratory issues, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Kīlauea has experienced multiple eruptions in recent years, with notable activity in June and September of this year.
The volcano’s eruptions can vary in duration, lasting from days to over a year.
The 2018 eruption was particularly destructive, resulting in the loss of more than 700 homes.
The USGS continues to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates on the eruption’s progression.
Visitors to the area are urged to stay informed about the volcano’s activity and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities.
