LOS ANGELES: The world’s largest active volcano in Hawaii burst into life after 40 years on Monday. The Mauna Loa spewed hot ash and lava in a spectacular display of the fury of nature.
Rivers of molten rock and huge clouds of steam and smoke burst into the air at on Big Island. It sparked warnings from the authorities that the situation could change rapidly. The eruption could be seen from 72 kilometers away, in Kona town.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that pressure has been building at Mauna Loa for years.
The eruption was initially contained within the concave area at the summit of the volcano but later it spread into the air.
According to USGS, currently, there was no threat to people living beneath the eruption zone but warned that the volcano was volatile. Past events suggest that the early stages of the eruption can be too dynamic. The location and advance in the flows of lava can change rapidly.
Winds can bring volcano’s ash, gas downslope
Experts also warned that winds could bring volcanic ash and gas downslope as well as the volcanic glass which forms after lava skeins cooled down in the air. The practice of the cooling down of lava is called Pele’s Hair and it is dangerous for eyes and skin.
Authorities in the area have not issued any evacuation orders, although they closed the summit area and several roads in the region. Two shelters have also been opened as a precaution.
An ashfall advisory has been issued which said that a light accumulation of ash was expected on ships sailing in ocean waters.
Mauna Loa, which means “the long mountains”, is the largest active volcano on Earth it covers half of the Big Island and is larger than all islands combined in Hawaii. It has erupted thirty-three times since 1843. –APP/AFP
