Lava Claims Hundreds of Homes Overnight, 7.7 Square Miles Covered

Overflight photograph at approximately 6:13 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2018, shows the lava flow originating from Fissure 8 (not visible in photograph) entering Kapoho Bay. The ocean entry was reported to have occurred by 10:30 p.m. on the night of June 3, 2018.

Hundreds of homes were claimed by lava in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland overnight, according to Janet Snyder, a spokesperson for Hawaiʻi County.

It’s among the data being compiled by authorities as the eruption surpasses the 30 day mark.

“We don’t have a new definitive number of homes,” said Snyder in an email communication to Maui Now, “but safe to say that hundreds were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland overnight.”

HVO authorities report that most of Vacationland and all but the northern edge of Kapoho Beach Lots was inundated with lava by morning.

Kīlauea 30 Day Infographic. PC: USGS

An overflight of the lava inundation zone this morning conducted by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms that lava had extended 0.7 miles into Kapoho Bay as of 7 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

The Fissure 8 fountain had dropped to 150 feet, down from earlier heights of 250 feet reported last week, but the lava channel remained full at last report.

By the Numbers:
(A look at the last 30 days of volcanic activity – compiled by the US Dept. of the Interior and the US Geological Survey)

• 7.7 square mile area covered by lava as of June 4, 2018;
• 24 separate fissure vents;
• 4 lava flows reaching the ocean;
• 656 yards per hour — the fastest recorded lava flow advance rate;
• 250 feet — the highest lava fountain measured;
• 30,000 feet above sea level — the tallest ash plume at the summit;
• 6.9 magnitude — the largest earthquake since May 4, 2018;
• 9,900 earthquakes on Hawaiʻi Island since May 4, 2018 (Historically, the monthly average is 1,000 on Hawaiʻi Island);
• 80 USGS employees responding on site in Hawaiʻi;
• 79 volcano status updates by HVO;
• 80 lava samples taken;
• 15 ash samples taken;
• 90% of Kīlauea covered by lava flows in the last 1,000 years;
• 1960: the most recent eruption in this area of the lower East Rift Zone;
• 36 says was the length of the 1960 eruption;
• 1980: beginning of the current Kīlauea East Rift eruption period.

Gov. Ige Issues Second Supplemental Emergency Proclamation for Kīlauea Eruption

Governor David Ige today signed a second supplemental emergency proclamation adding housing and law-enforcement provisions amid the ongoing Kīlauea eruption.

The additional aid is to ensure the health and safety of the people who have been most affected by the event.

“The lava flow has expanded and overrun more communities as it’s advanced, and earthquakes continue to rock the area. Hundreds of structures have been destroyed, including residential homes. I’m working closely with Mayor Kim and FEMA to develop a housing plan, and this supplemental proclamation gives the county more options for suitable shelters and rapid rehousing efforts,” said Gov. Ige is a press release.

Governor Ige said that as the size of the affected area has grown, so have the challenges of keeping the residents and their property safe. The emergency rules, he said, will also increase criminal penalties for those who do not obey emergency officials and prohibit the operation of drones in the incident area.

VIDEO: “The fissure 8 lava fountain height has diminished. Previously, fountain heights reached a sustained 260 ft. During the overnight hours of June 4-5, fluctuating heights were measured at about 100 to 160 ft. The fountain is partially obscured by a cone built by lava spatter, which is about 115 ft high. View from Nohea and Leilani Streets, in the Leilani Estates subdivision.” VC: US Geological Survey.

Video Credit: Donyelle Davis, USGS.