This is why the MMI scale is the best way to communicate the relative effects among earthquakes. Values are derived from direct observations of the public and will give the best sense of shaking experienced in different regions.

Kīlauea monitoring data for the past month show variable but typical rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018.

At present, monitoring data show no signs of impending eruption, and it could be years down the road before the next summit eruption happens.

The recent appearance of water at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u, a crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, has attracted wide attention and generated many questions.

Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers on Hawaiʻi Island said the recent eruptions of Kīlauea have caused almost $28 million in damage.

The lava flow from Fissure 8 in the Lower East Rift Zone of the Kīlauea volcano is greatly diminished and deflation at the summit of Halema’uma’u has slowed.

The collapse/explosion events generate plumes that have become progressively more ash-poor and now rise only a few thousand feet above the crater. This is in contrast to the eruptive sequence from May 16-26, when the vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater was open.

Since the onset of the recent eruptive activity in May, there have been dozens of seismic events that have prompted statements from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

On Sunday, June 3, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake rattled the summit area at 3:50 p.m., cracking the overlook deck at Jaggar Museum. Over the weekend, the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported more than 500 earthquakes in a 24-hour period – the most ever measured by HVO scientists.

Scientists at the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory address Kīlauea’s current activity—what’s new and what’s not—starting with the two eruption sites: East Rift Zone and summit.

"There were also some incandescent blocks that were thrown out of the vent and landed in Halemaʻumaʻu and just along the edge of the crater rim," said HVO Volcanologist Wendy Stovall.

Authorities say methane gas can seep into subsurface voids and explode when heated, or as shown in this video, emerge from cracks in the ground several feet away from the lava.

Authorities reflected upon the eruptive activity in 1924, saying it involved a series of explosions. Scientists say they are in it for the long haul.

Another burst in volcanic ash emissions from the Haleamaʻumaʻu Crater on Hawaiʻi Island was recorded at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, prompting a special weather statement advising area residents of light ashfall and hazardous air quality.

Very light ashfall is expected through at least 6 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018 following a burst in volcanic emissions at around 9 o'clock this morning.