HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-19 Eruption Update for May 19 at 0600
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY Date: May 19, 2018
MEDIA UPDATE Time: 6:00 AM
Update: #1
Incident: East Rift Zone Eruption
This is a Civil Defense Message for Saturday, May 19 at 6:00 in the morning.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a small steam explosion occurred in Halemaumau Crater last night
around midnight. National Weather Service reports the ash plume rose to around 7000 feet. Trade winds
pushed the ash plume to the southwest toward Kau, Pahala, and Naalehu. Residents of these areas are
reminded to protect yourself from ash fallout by remaining indoors or by using dust masks.
Fissures east of Pohoiki Road near Lanipuna gardens continue to erupt, producing a slow moving lava flow.
Four homes were destroyed, but no highways are threatened at this time.
Due to the volcanic activity, the following policies are in effect:
Pohoiki Road is closed.
Residents from Isaac Hale Beach Park to Kalapana are advised to prepare for voluntary evacuation
should Highway 137 become threatened.
For those evacuating, the Pahoa Community Center, Keaau Community Center, and Sure
Foundation Church are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet friendly.
Highway 132 and 130 are open to local traffic past the checkpoints.
The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time. We ask for your help and understanding.
Thank you for listening. We are on watch 24-hours a day for your safety.
This is your Hawai‘i County Civil Defense.