An explosive eruption from Kilauea volcano Thursday morning sent a plume of ash a reported 30,000 feet into the air, covering the surrounding region on Hawaii’s Big Island.
The eruption of ash and rock from the volcano’s summit occurred around 4:15 a.m., according to reports from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawaii County Civil Defense.
Later on Thursday, the observatory confirmed that a new fissure 21 opened and several others reactivated in Kilauea's east rift zone.
"HVO reports lava is pahoehoe, and flows have been generated," civil defense said.
The authorities have also opened a third shelter: Sure Foundation, which is located on Pohaku Circle in Keeau, caters specifically to people with breathing issues, but is open to everyone.
The office of Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said that ash masks will be distributed to the public on Thursday afternoon. These N95 masks are intended to protect the public from breathing volcanic ash, a statement read.
"One mask per family member will help to assure that supplies are adequate to accommodate all our ohana," the statement said. "N95 masks do not protect against gases and vapors."
The masks, which were donated by 3M, will be distributed at the Cooper Center in Volcano; Pahala Community Center; Naalehu Community Center; and Shipman Park Pavilion in Keaau from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Thursday.
Officials confirmed Thursday's eruption, but have not said whether it was the steam-driven explosion warned of a week ago, when officials said a drop in the lava lake could trigger an explosion when the lava mixed with groundwater.
The observatory’s Michelle Coombs described the activity as “very, very dynamic,” and said the “potential for larger explosions is still there,” Hawaii News Now reports.
The explosion happened less than 24 hours after earthquakes that shook the region opened cracks in Highway 11.
Meanwhile, Hawaii Electric Light Co. said Thursday that a portion of Leilani Estates and all of Lanipuna Gardens has been designated as a "no-entry zone" for its crews.
"These areas are hazardous to enter due to continued ground swelling and cracking, sudden fissure activity, and unsafe levels of SO2," the electric utility company said in statement. "Crews were working in the subdivision in the last few days and have narrowly escaped situations that could have resulted in severe injury."
HELCO advises residents to stay at least three cars lengths away from downed lines and use caution around all poles and overhead lines.