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<br />CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY Date: May 16, 2018 <br />MEDIA UPDATE Time: 10:30 AM <br /> Radio Frequency: Every 1 hour <br /> Update: #2 <br /> <br />Incident: East Rift Zone Eruption <br /> <br />This is a Civil Defense Message for Wednesday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. <br /> <br />The National Weather Service has cancelled the Ashfall Advisory as of 8:33 a.m. Volcanic <br />emissions from Halemaumau Crater have decreased since Tuesday evening. The NWS <br />could reissue the advisory as conditions warrant. <br />The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that occasional bursts of ash are coming from <br />Halemaumau Crater, causing cause ash to fall downwind across portions of Lower Puna to <br />include Volcano Village and Kau District. Only trace dusting of ash is currently visible on <br />property. <br /> Avoid excessive exposure to ash which is an eye and respiratory irritant. <br /> Those with breathing issues should take extra precaution to minimize exposure. <br /> Motorists are advised to drive with caution. <br /> All roads in this area are open at this time. <br />Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents in <br />lower Puna. An interruption in trade winds today means that Lower Puna, Volcano Village <br />and surrounding areas, such as the Big Island North, South and Interior, may experience <br />varying levels of vog and sulfur dioxide exposure. The Hawaii Fire Department reports that <br />air quality is still condition RED around fissures in the southeast area of Lanipuna Gardens <br />and surrounding farm lots on Pohoiki Road. <br /> Condition RED means immediate danger to health so take action to limit further <br />exposure. <br /> Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe. <br /> Sulfur Dioxide (SO) gas from fissures are especially dangerous for elderly, <br />2 <br />children/babies and people with respiratory problems. <br />As a precautionary measure, residents of lower Puna are advised to be on the alert in the <br />event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. Because there may be little to no <br />advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Take this <br />time to prepare. <br />If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center <br />are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly. This is a precautionary <br />message. We want everyone in the Lower Puna area to be ready, and to remain safe. <br /> <br /> <br />