The world’s largest active volcano erupts in Hawaii

The world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, erupted for the first time in 38 years this morning. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this phenomenon has triggered a series of low-intensity earthquakes on the main island of Hawaii.

According to the latest update from the USGS, made at 12:00 local time, volcanic activity continues at Mauna’s peak and lava waves can be seen from Kona, a city located about 56 km from the volcano. However, winds can carry volcanic gas and ash to places where residents live.

The Hawaii Volcano Observatory continues to monitor conditions, but access to the summit has been restricted and the alert level remains on “Red Alert”.

The National Weather Service stated that “Based on past events, the early stages of the eruption From MUna Loa can be very dynamic and the location and evolution of lava flows can change rapidly. “

According to the Daily Mail, some residents of South Kona have begun evacuating on their own, although residents have not been ordered to leave the city.

Historically, lava waves have flowed from the volcano into various communities, including Hilo, with a population of nearly 20,000, and Kokyo – a billionaire’s paradise that has thrived for the past 38 years and is now home to some of the most famous people in the world. population.

The Hawaiian archipelago contains six active volcanoes. Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843, according to the US Geological Survey.

The most recent eruption, in 1984, lasted 22 days and produced pyroclastic flows that reached seven kilometers from Hilo, a city where about 44,000 people now live.

* With information from AFP