United States Geological Survey (USGS) hazard assessments and reports

Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Erupts for Fourth Time This Year, Prompting Evacuations

Dec 23, 2024, 04:29 PM

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, began erupting early Monday morning at approximately 2 a.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The eruption is occurring within the summit caldera, specifically at the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. This marks the fourth eruption of Kilauea this year, following a three-month pause since its last activity in September. The eruption has produced lava fountains up to 200 feet tall and created a lava lake, while spewing cascades of lava into the sky. High levels of volcanic gas emissions are reported, representing the primary hazard, and the volcano alert level has been raised to the highest warning levels within a restricted area of the park. Authorities are managing evacuations to ensure public safety as they monitor the situation closely.