Hawaii— On Monday, lava began to bubble in the crust of one of the most active volcanoes in the world.: Kilauea, on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The eruption was limited to the caldera of the crater at the summit of the volcano, in a remote and closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, reported the Volcano Observatory of the archipelago. Seismic activity increased around 2:00 a.m. local time and, within half an hour, webcam images began to show lava emerging from fissures in the caldera or gushing into fountains.
The most immediate threat came from volcanic smog that could reach homes downwind, the observatory said. This smoke contains sulfur dioxide and can aggravate the symptoms of people who suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular problems.
The area where the eruption is occurring has been closed to the public since 2007 due to hazards including instability of the crater walls, the formation of cracks in the ground and rock falls.
In this national park are two of the most active volcanoes in the world: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea also erupted in June and September.