United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports

Kilauea Erupts for Fourth Time This Year; 200-Foot Lava Fountains, Alert Level Raised

Dec 23, 2024, 06:25 PM

Kilauea volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes, began erupting early Monday morning on Hawaii's Big Island, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The eruption started at approximately 2 a.m. local time within the summit caldera at the Halemaʻumaʻu crater inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Lava fountains reaching up to 80 meters (approximately 200 feet) have created a lava lake, illuminating the sky. The USGS raised the volcano alert level to the highest warning levels. The National Park Service has warned that hazardous volcanic gases are billowing into the air, posing a danger to everyone. This marks Kilauea's fourth eruption this year, following a three-month pause since its last activity in September.