Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano erupts: Ash advisory canceled

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii — Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano started to erupt, authorities said late Sunday.

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Ash advisory canceled

Update 2:55 p.m. EST Nov. 28: The National Weather Service has canceled the threat of ashfall, but are warning that people who have respiratory illness or are sensitive to the environment to be aware there could be areas that have low air quality.

The United States Geological Survey shared thermal camera footage of the eruption showing the temperatures of the magma as it flowed from the volcano.

Officials said the volcano did not threaten communities on the Big Island but that people there should prepare, reminding them that an eruption, “can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly,” The Associated Press reported.

-Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group

Original report: According to KGMB and Reuters, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory said the eruption began about 11:30 p.m. HST, prompting officials to issue a warning in the area.

“At this time, lava flows are contained within the summit area and are not threatening downslope communities,” the observatory said in a statement shortly before midnight Monday. “Winds may carry volcanic gas and possibly fine ash and Pele’s hair downwind.”

The Big Island landmark, which is the largest active volcano in the world, hasn’t erupted since 1984, Reuters reported.

“Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly,” the observatory said, adding that nearby residents “should review preparedness.”

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, at least 25 earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 2.5 to 4.2 occurred in the area before the eruption.

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