“A short-lived plume of ash produced by this event lofted skyward and is continuing to dissipate as it drifts southwest from Puu Oo,” an advisory from the agency said, warning that “anyone downwind may experience a dusting of ash.”

The giant pink-hued plume was seen rising above the zone, with authorities warning of subsequent “lava inundation,” fire, smoke, and additional earthquakes.

Hazards also included “potentially lethal concentrations of sulphur dioxide gas” in the zone as well as methane blasts that could propel large rocks and debris in adjacent areas.

Governor David Ige had activated the archipelago state’s National Guard troops, and told residents to pay heed to warnings from the Civil Defence Agency.

“Please be alert and prepare now to keep your family safe,” Ige wrote on Twitter.

A local community centre was open to residents, Hawaii’s emergency management agency said.

USGS had raised the volcano alert in the area from a watch to a warning, reporting that “new ground cracks” were discovered in the late afternoon.

“White, hot vapour and blue fume emanated from an area of cracking in the eastern part of the subdivision,” the agency wrote, saying spatters began just before 5pm.

USGS emphasised that the early stages of fissure eruptions are “dynamic,” and “additional vents and new lava outbreaks may occur.”

“At this time it is not possible to say where new vents” could happen, it said.

The Leilani Estates area is part of the Big Island’s Eastern Rift Zone, in which the Hawaii Volcano Observatory had “identified magma movement” and warned residents that seismic activities and eruptions could take place without notice.

“All areas bordering East Rift Zone at high risk for eruption,” said Hawaii County’s mayor Harry Kim.