It has now been one month since Kilauea Volcano first erupted on May 3rd. Now one month later, the situation remains dire for some residents on the Big Island of Hawaii. Numerous homes and buildings have been destroyed thanks to the lava flows and over 20 fissures. The air quality remains at dangerous levels and has been for weeks now. A toxic, sulfur dioxide has forced many residents to use a particular mask to protect from any health issues that may arise.
Today, small earthquakes continue to occur as a result of the low lava lake levels in the summit of Kilauea. A few of the fissures remain active as well, some of which are creating lava fountains of over 100 feet in height. Lava flows from these active fissures also have made it into the ocean on the eastern side of the island. The combination of this molten, hot lava and the ocean waters creates the product of laze. This laze contains hydrochloric acid and small glass particulates, both harmful to humans.
There has only been one reported injury in May as one man attempted to protect his house when a ball of lava struck his leg. There are no signs of improving conditions on the island anytime soon. Lava continues to ooze out of Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone. The weak earthquake activities continues, and the concern for additional moderately-intense earthquakes does exist.
Below is a map outlining where all of the lava flows and fissures have been located so far on the eastern portion of the Big Island: