Hawaii volcano eruption: Residents warned of LAVA TRAP risks as volcanic haze reaches Guam

Hawaii volcano Kilauea has been erupting uninterruptedly since May 3 – plunging Hawaii’s Big Island residents into a panic.

Hawaii County Civil Defense urged residents to evacuate to avoid being caught in rivers of molten lava violently propelling out of fissures on the eastern side of the island.

Authorities have warned Fissure 8 – located between the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens – has become “very active”, with officials reporting 200-feet tall lava fountains erupting from the rift.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) also issued a warning for the potential risks of volcanic smog – or vog – saying: “Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from the fissure eruptions.

‘If a forecast shift in wind direction occurs today, widespread vog could occur on the Island of Hawaii.”

Kilauea’s developing eruption also spurred officials in Guam, the US overseas territory 4,000 miles away from Hawaii, to warn locals suffering from respiratory issues to “stay indoors” for as long as volcanic haze remains visible from the island.

Guam’s Homeland Security Office said: “Residents with respiratory health problems should stay indoors and avoid being outdoors when haze is seen.

“Mariners and pilots should be aware of lower visibilities caused by this haze.”

The volcano has so far forced over 2,000 people to leave the area and over 20 fissures have been created by the volcano.

Dr Carolyn Parcheta, a USGS Geologist said: “Yesterday on the lower eastern rift zone, the whole of the fissure system from the middle of Leilani Estates to the east end of the fissure system was active.

“One of the fountains was going up to 60 yards high.

“The fissure immediately of Leilani Estates became active late last night sending a flow into Leilani Estates.”

Marines are on standby, ready to airlift residents if lava cuts off more streEts, leaving people stranded.

Frequent explosive eruptions at the summit of Kilauea have continued to plague Hawaii residents.

One on Monday morning sent plumes of ash 12,000 to 13,000 feet into the air.