Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano is once again erupting but poses no threats at this time to nearby communities.
Webcams began picking up activity Thursday night after the U.S. Geological Service earlier in the day raised the alert level.
Kilauea had been spewing lava for 16 months when it suddenly stopped at the same time the Mauna Loa stopped erupting on December 14. That volcano had been dormant for 38 years when it began spewing ash on November 27.
Hazardous volcanic gas is the primary concern right now, reports the BBC.
“Strong winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances,” officials said. “Residents should minimize exposure to these volcanic particles.”
The eruption so far is confined to the volcano’s crater and no signs of it migrating out, Forbes reports. It is considered one of the world’s most active volcanos. In 2018, it destroyed hundreds of homes.
So far Mauna Loa remains quiet, although it is actively being monitored. During the twin eruption, it attracted throngs of tourists who were able to see both simultaneously.
“It was a beautiful eruption, and lots of people got to see it, and it didn’t take out any major infrastructure and most importantly, it didn’t affect anybody’s life,” said Ken Hon, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s scientist in charge.
Mauna Loa got within 1.7 miles of the main highway connecting the east and west sides of the island.
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