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The first eruption of the world’s largest active volcano in 38 years is drawing onlookers to a Hawaiian national park, keen to see the “spectacular” view of the event.
However, the Mauna Loa eruption also brought back unpleasant memories for some Hawaiians who have lived through the traumatic experience.
Officials initially feared that lava flowing down the side of the volcano would flow to South Kona, but scientists later assured the public that the eruption migrated to the Rift Valley on Mauna Loa’s northeast side and would not threaten any communities.
However, this uncertainty has many people somewhat uneasy.
Nicole Skilling, who lives near another neighborhood where lava destroyed more than 700 homes in 2018, said: “It just happened last night, so basically I don’t really have much time to worry about it. it.
“Thankfully, right now, it’s in the Northeast Rift. But if it breaks out on the west side, that’s when we’re talking about getting into populated areas … That’s why I do have a little bit of PTSD.”
Even without evacuation orders, some decided to leave their homes, prompting officials to open shelters in the Kona and Kau areas. Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Ross said almost no one was inside overnight and they will be closed Tuesday.
Still, some in the region are bracing for sudden change.
Kamakani Rivera-Kekololio, who lives in Hookena’s South Kona neighborhood, stores supplies like food and blankets in his car.
“We’re ready for anything,” Mr. Rivera-Kekololio said, using the Hawaiian word for “ready.”
Ken Hon, lead scientist at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, said Tuesday that lava was flowing at less than 1 mph “not super fast,” but the exact speed was unclear.
It is about 6 miles downhill from the Saddle Road, which connects the east and west sides of the island. Traffic might slow down four miles down the road when it hits flat ground.
It’s unclear when or if the lava will reach the road. It could end up flat later on Wednesday, Mr Han said.
A strong smell of volcanic gas and sulfur filled the air Tuesday along Saddle Road, where people watched as the broad lava flow slowly approached. The clouds parted to reveal a large volume of gas and ash rising from an open summit vent above the airstream.
Governor David Ige issued an emergency declaration.
“We are thankful that at this time the lava flow has not affected residential areas and schools and businesses are able to remain open,” he said in a statement.
“I am issuing this emergency advisory now to allow responders to respond quickly or restrict access if necessary as the eruption continues.”
Mr. Han said lava flowed through a passageway at the Mauna Loa Observatory on Monday night, cutting power to the facility. It could move toward Hilo County, but that could take a week or more, he added.
Meanwhile, scientists are trying to measure the gases released by the eruption.
The eruption draws tourists to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is open 24 hours a day.
Visitors there are currently able to witness two eruptive events: the glow from Kilauea’s lava lake and the lava from Mauna Loa’s fissures.
People in areas north of Hilo, the closest to the Mauna Loa eruption, remained cautious but not overly scared.
Lindsay Cloyd, 33, said it made her a little anxious, but she felt safe and in awe of the forces of nature taking place in her backyard.
Originally from Utah, she had only lived in Hawaii for a few years and had never been involved in a volcanic eruption before.
“I feel very humbled and small,” she said, adding that “it was a profound, incredible experience to be here while all this was happening”.
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