A surge of seismic activity is striking the area near the summit of the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii; more than 110 earthquakes have struck in the last 24 hours, with more than half striking within the last few hours. Scientists with USGS and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) are closely monitoring the situation as eyes across the community are drawn to the activity there.
“Kilauea is not erupting,” said HVO in a statement released this afternoon, adding, “Increased earthquake activity and rates of ground deformation at Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone began at approximately 11 am. About 40 earthquakes have been detected, the largest of which was a magnitude-3.1.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is watching the situation closely and will issue additional messages as needed.
HVO says while there are currently no signs of an imminent eruption, conditions could change quickly.
“Past eruptive activity in this area of Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone has typically occurred between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,” said HVO.
Responding to the increase in activity, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed roads and access to portions of their territory today.
“It is never an easy decision to close areas, but it is the right thing to do. Safety is always our top priority,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “We remain in constant communication with scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and will continue to notify the public of any changes.”
Specifically, these areas have been closed in the park:
• Chain of Craters Road from the intersection at Devastation parking lot to the coast.
• Kulanaokuaiki Campground is closed.
• Crater Rim Trail south of Nāhuku lava tube is closed.
• Coastal backcountry areas and Nāpau sites are closed. All new backcountry permits for those areas are canceled.
• Escape Road is closed from Nāhuku to Maunaulu.
Risks forcing the closures here include the uncertainty of where an eruption could break out, the potential for elevated volcanic gases, dangerous lava flows, damaging earthquakes and lava-ignited wildfire.
In a statement just released by the park, “According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, it is not known if the current conditions will lead to an eruption in the near future or if magma will remain confined below ground. However, an eruption in the upper East Rift Zone of Kilauea is one potential outcome.” However, they add, “The uptick in activity has not impacted traffic safety or infrastructure projects at the summit.”
