Hawaii Earthquakes Prompt Mauna Loa Volcano Eruption

(TNS) – Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, has erupted following months of earthquakes in Hawaii experts reported.

The eruption began in Moku‘āweoweo, the summit caldera of the 13,100-foot volcano, at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory reported.

The observatory initially said lava flows were contained to the caldera, but some Kona residents reported lava flowing down the mountain, HawaiiNewsNow reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported about 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, that lava had overflowed the caldera.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said on Twitter there are “no indications” that lava threatens populated areas and no evacuations have been ordered. Shelters for voluntary evacuees are opening, however.

“Roughly half of all recorded Mauna Loa eruptions have remained in the summit area without threatening populated areas,” the agency reported.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued an ash fall advisory lasting until 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, saying that up to a quarter-inch of ash may fall on Hawaii.

The eruption is not affecting airline flights to the islands, the Hawaii Tourism Agency reported on Twitter.

The eruption follows months of earthquakes and reports of seismic unrest at the volcano, with more than 100 earthquakes a day reported at times in September, CNN reported.

In October, the National Park Service closed the summit of Mauna Loa to visitors.

Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

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