(FreedomBeacon.com)- Mauna Loa, the most active volcano in the world, has started erupting for the first time since 1984, according to Hawaiian authorities, who also reported that volcanic ash and other debris have begun to fall in the area nearby.
According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, an eruption started at 11:30 p.m. HST in Mauna Loa’s Moku’weoweo summit caldera. The eruption is currently localized at the peak and is not dangerous.
The Volcano Alert Level has been raised from “advisory” to “warning” by the Observatory, and the aviation alert has been elevated to “red.” The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (EMA) warned that certain volcanic glass fibers and ash could become airborne and fly in the direction of the wind.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued an Ashfall Advisory for the whole island of Hawaii until Monday morning at six HST.
A quarter-inch or more of ash is predicted to fall near and to the south of Mauna Loa. People with trouble breathing should stay inside and cover their mouths and noses with a towel or a mask.
Incredible film footage from a helicopter showed up-close views of the volcano erupting and shooting lava over 100 feet into the air.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported on Tuesday that “no property is at risk at this time” even though “a number of fissures and lava flows are active” as part of Mauna Loa’s ongoing northeast rift zone eruption.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Status Report’s statement:
The eruption continues at the summit of Mauna Loa. All vents remain restricted to the summit area. Lava flows are visible from Kona. There is no indication of any migration of the eruption into a rift zone.
The Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code for Mauna Loa remains at WARNING/RED.
HVO continues to monitor conditions carefully and will issue additional notices as needed.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige tweeted that the Island where Mauna Loa is located “is open to visitors, and it is safe to view the volcano from a distance.”
