Kilauea Erupts Again as Lava Fountains Shoot 100 Feet into the Air, Says USGS

LOS ANGELES, Dec 7 — Spectacular lava fountains burst from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on Saturday, US volcanologists said, nearly a year after one of the world’s most active volcanoes began its latest eruptive phase.

The US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that sustained lava fountains measuring about 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 metres) were erupting from the volcano’s north vent, with fountain heights rising rapidly.

The latest episode in the ongoing eruption — the 38th surge of molten rock and gases from beneath the earth’s surface — began at 8.45am local time (2.45am Sunday Malaysian time). USGS said such eruptive activity has been occurring intermittently since the eruption began on December 23, 2024, and typically lasts for a day or less.

All activity remains confined within Halema‘uma‘u crater inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and volcanic gas or ash is not expected to affect nearby airports.

Authorities are closely monitoring elevated levels of volcanic gas and the presence of “Pele’s hair” — fine strands of volcanic glass created by lava fountaining that can be carried more than 10 miles (15 kilometres) from the vent. Hot glassy fragments may also fall within one to two miles (one to three kilometres) of the eruption site.

Kilauea has been highly active since 1983 and erupts frequently. It is one of six active volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands, alongside Mauna Loa — the world’s largest volcano. Although much smaller than Mauna Loa, Kilauea is significantly more active and remains a major attraction for visitors drawn to its fiery displays. — AFP