A new phase of activity of one of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea, has been recorded in Hawaii. Lava fountains have risen hundreds of meters, and volcanic ash has begun to fall in the surrounding areas. Learn more about the causes of the eruption, possible risks and restrictions imposed on the island

One of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea, has become active again in Hawaii. During the new eruption episode, fountains of hot lava rose to a height of several hundred meters, and volcanic ash and glassy debris began to fall in the surrounding areas.

Due to the dangerous conditions, local authorities temporarily closed part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and blocked a section of an important highway. Despite the large-scale spectacle, experts note that the lava is currently contained within the crater, but ash and tephra can cause problems for residents and tourists. We will tell you what exactly is happening on the island and why this phase of volcanic activity has attracted the attention of the whole world.

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New eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii

Another episode of Kilauea volcano activity began on Tuesday morning and became the next phase of a long cycle of eruptions that has been going on since December 2024. During this episode, lava fountains rose to about 300 meters in height, and thick clouds of smoke and ash appeared over the crater.

According to local services, this is the 43rd episode of activity in the current eruption cycle. Online broadcasts showed two bright red lava fountains erupting from the crater, and ash and volcanic debris covered the surrounding area.

Despite the spectacle of the eruption, scientists note that the hot magma is still inside the crater at the top of the volcano, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This means that the lava does not yet threaten residential buildings or infrastructure, but ash and tephra can create dangerous conditions for people and vehicles.

Previous episodes of the Kilauea eruption lasted from several hours to several days, so experts are currently monitoring the development of events and do not rule out further activity.

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What restrictions have been imposed on the island due to the volcanic eruption?

Due to the new phase of Kilauea volcano activity, local authorities were forced to impose temporary restrictions on part of the island. The main purpose of these measures is to protect residents and tourists from possible ash, volcanic debris and other dangerous consequences of the eruption.

In particular, officials have temporarily closed part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near the top of the volcano. This is a popular tourist destination where thousands of travelers come every year to see active volcanoes and lava fields. The restrictions were imposed due to increased volcanic activity and the risk of falling so-called tephra, small glassy debris that is formed during an eruption.

In addition, the authorities partially blocked the Hawaii Route 11 highway, which runs around the island and is one of the main transportation arteries in the region. According to local services, volcanic debris and ash began to fall on the road, which could pose a danger to drivers.

Due to the road closure and ash fall, Hawaii County authorities opened a temporary shelter in a local gym for residents and tourists who might have been stranded by traffic restrictions or other effects of the eruption. However, according to county officials, the shelter remained empty shortly after opening, indicating that there were no large-scale evacuations or serious damage to infrastructure.

Experts continue to closely monitor the situation, as the duration of the current eruption episode remains unknown.

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What is the danger of volcanic ash and tephra?

During volcanic eruptions, large amounts of small ash particles and rock fragments are released into the air. These materials are called tephra, a mixture of volcanic ash, sand, and glassy fragments that are formed during explosive eruptions.

The National Meteorological Service has warned the island's residents about possible ashfall in the surrounding areas. According to experts, even a small amount of volcanic ash can pose a danger to human health and infrastructure.

The main risks associated with tephra fallout are:

1. Irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract due to small ash particles in the air;

2. Deterioration of visibility on the roads, which hinders traffic;

3. Damage to rainwater collection systems that are widely used on the island;

4. Accumulation of ash on roofs and surfaces, which requires cleaning.

During one of the previous eruption episodes, volcanic ash fell so thickly that some communities had to seek help from civil protection services to clean houses and territories.

Experts advise residents and tourists to avoid areas with heavy ashfall, wear protective masks, and closely monitor official communications from local authorities.

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What is known about Kilauea volcano?

Kīlauea Volcano is located on the island of Hawaii and is part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Due to the constant volcanic activity, this region has long been a research area for scientists and a popular destination for tourists.

The latest cycle of Kilauea's activity began in December 2024 and has been taking place in a series of eruptions since then. The current phase was the 43rd episode of activity in this cycle, which has attracted significant attention from both locals and travelers.

The volcano is known for producing lava fountains that can rise tens or even hundreds of meters into the air during eruptions. Such phenomena look impressive, but are also accompanied by the release of ash, gases, and volcanic debris.

Despite regular activity, most eruptions occur within the crater at the top of the volcano, so lava rarely threatens residential areas. That is why the situation is constantly monitored by geological experts who control the level of activity and promptly inform the public about possible risks.

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We remind you! Some countries are island states with political neutrality, which means that the likelihood of military conflict is quite low. Read more about the countries that are likely to participate in World War III and the top safest countries in the world.

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