Incident: East Rift Zone Eruption in Leilani Subdivision

This is a Civil Defense update for Friday May 4, 2018 at 3:30 PM.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms the volcanic eruption continues in Leilani Subdivision in the Puna District.

Active volcanic vents are located on Makamae, Kaupili and Mohala Streets. A new vent has opened near the intersection of Leilani Avenue and Kahukai Road. There is no activity at Puna Geothermal Venture at this time. PGV is secured.

All residents of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivision are on evacuation notice. Police, Fire and County agencies along with the National Guard are assisting with evacuation.

Due to the eruption, the following are issued:

Department of Water Supply has issued an Emergency Water Restriction for Leilani Estates, Nānāwale Estates, Kapoho and Lanipuna Gardens. ALL Water Supply customers must immediately restrict water use to health and safety needs only.
A community meeting will be held tonight at Pahoa High School Cafeteria at 5:30 PM. Information will be shared about the status of the volcanic activity in Leilani Estates.
Hawaii Fire Department reports extremely dangerous conditions due to high levels of Sulfur Dioxide gas in the evacuation area. Elderly, young, and people with compromised respiratory systems are especially vulnerable.
The high levels detected are an immediate threat to life for all who become exposed. First responders may not be able to come to the aid of residents who refuse to evacuate.
The area continues to be unstable with multiple volcanic eruptions happening. No one is allowed into the area. Do not attempt to return to your home at this time.
All residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions have been ordered to evacuate. The Pahoa Community Center and the Kea’au Community Center are open for shelter.
Residents evacuating should bring an emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.

County, State and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.

For your further information, go to the following helpful links and contact numbers:

Updates Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kilauea Activity Summary available here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/status.html and by phone at (808) 967-8862. Subscribe to these messages:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai’i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Lava viewing information:
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm

County of Hawaii: http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lava-viewing/
Kalapana lava-viewing area: 808-430-1966

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from KÄ«lauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/   back...