World’s largest volcano erupts in Hawaii for first time in nearly 40 years
- Eruption of Mauna Loa wasn’t immediately endangering towns, but situation on Hawaii’s largest island could change rapidly
- The volcano last erupted in 1984, sending a flow of lava within 7km of Hilo, the largest city on the island
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World’s biggest volcano erupts, turns Hawaii’s sky red
The world’s largest active volcano burst into life for the first time in 40 years, spewing lava and hot ash in a spectacular display of nature’s fury by Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
Rivers of molten rock could be seen high up on the volcano, venting huge clouds of steam and smoke at the summit on Big Island, and sparking warnings that the situation could change rapidly.
Pressure has been building at Mauna Loa for years, according to the United States Geological Survey, which reported the eruption could be seen from 72km (45 miles) away, in the town of Kona the west coast of Hawaii’s main island.
The eruption, which began shortly before midnight Sunday, was initially contained within the caldera – the concave area at the top of the volcano – but vulcanologists said Monday lava was now escaping from cracks in its side.
“The eruption of Mauna Loa has migrated from the summit to the Northeast Rift Zone where fissures are feeding several lava flows,” the USGS said on its website.
The agency said there was currently no threat to people living below the eruption zone, but warned that the volcano was volatile.