Kilauea Volcano: New Fissures Open, 'Ballistic' Eruption Possible

PAHOA, HI — The 21st and 22nd fissures opened hours after the explosive eruption from the summit of the Kilauea volcano sent ash 30,000 feet into the air, and older fissures continue to spew lava, emergency officials in Hawaii said Friday. Fissures, or cracks in the Earth, are widening by the day, and scientists worry that more eruptions are possible.’

The 22nd fissure to open since Kilauea began erupting on May 3 is in lower Puna, between fissures 19 and 20, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory said. Several older fissures remain active with spatter bombs, and a new lava flow is covering the existing lava flow at fissure 17, but is not advancing, officials said in morning updates.

The high sulfur dioxide levels from Thursday’s massive eruption forced several schools on the Big Island to cancel classes and spurred new health warnings.

More eruptions may be imminent, scientists warn. U.S. Geological Survey and Hawaii Volcano Observatory geologists were onsite Friday morning examining fissure vent activity for significant changes and searching for any signs of new or resumed activity.

“At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent,” the USGS said. “Ballistic projectiles may be produced should steam-driven explosions occur. Impacts will be limited to an area around Halemaumau.”

The high sulfur dioxide levels from Thursday’s massive Kilauea eruption forced several schools on the Big Island to cancel classes and spurred new health warnings, Hawaii News Now reported. Residents in the lower Puna area reported a thick volcanic haze that resembled fog and reduced visibilities in areas.

The Hawaii Civil Defense Agency is continuing the distribution of free masks so residents can protect themselves against dangerous ash, particularly in areas downwind of drifts where higher levels of fumes are expected.

The air quality remains dangerous, especially for the elderly, babies and young children, and people with the respiratory problems.

The 2,000 people living in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions have been ordered to evacuate, though about 20 homes in Leilani Estates remained occupied late Thursday. That could change with additional volcanic activity.

“Lava has a way of moving people,” Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno said at a Thursday news conference.

Three shelters have opened and some residents are staying with family and friends, according to reports. The latest shelter caters especially to people from Pahoa who have breathing concerns, but everyone is welcome. All shelters are pet friendly.

Main image: Lava erupts and flows from a Kilauea volcano fissure on Hawaii's Big Island on May 18, 2018 in Kapoho, Hawaii. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)