Kilauea Starts 51st Summit Eruption Episode With 100-Foot Fountains
Updated
Updated · Hawaii News Now · Jul 15
Kilauea Starts 51st Summit Eruption Episode With 100-Foot Fountains
3 articles · Updated · Hawaii News Now · Jul 15
Summary
Kilauea’s 51st summit fountaining episode began at 8:30 a.m., with lava fountains initially reaching about 100 feet and expected to build higher.
Hawaii County Civil Defense warned nearby residents shortly before the eruption intensified, saying low-level trade winds could carry gas and ash toward Ka’u, Pahala, Naalehu and other nearby areas.
Upper-level winds could also push ash into communities near the summit, prompting advice to disconnect water catchment systems and take other precautions.
Residents with respiratory sensitivities were urged to shelter in place or leave the area as elevated volcanic gas levels spread risk beyond Halemaumau crater.