On the eastern rim of Hawaii’s Big Island, a volcanic eruption followed by earthquakes forced 1,700 residents to evacuate from their homes this weekend, Fox News reports.
The Kilauea volcano erupted last Thursday, and five homes have been destroyed by its lava so far. Meanwhile underground, the volcano’s magma flows triggered hundreds of small earthquakes in the region, including a 6.9 tremor on Saturday that was the strongest on the island in 40 years.
The eruption is still ongoing. At least ten volcanic vents — cracks in the ground releasing lava, steam and gas from the volcano — have been reported, according to CBS News. Most of the earlier vents have cooled, and are releasing just steam and gas.
However, some of the fumes could be toxic; authorities warned of sulfuric gas posing a health risk, especially to older residents and those with existing respiratory problems.
An official from the Hawaii County Civil Defense, Talmadge Magno told CBS News that it’s unknown when the eruption will cool down for good.
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“That’s the sad part about it,” Magno said. “It could be happening for a long time, or on the other hand, like I said, mysteriously it could just end.”
Leilani Estates, a subdivision in the mostly rural district of Puna, is at greatest risk. Authorities ordered more than 1,700 residents to evacuate from there and nearby Lanipuna Gardens.
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