Hawaiis Big Island was under an ashfall advisory early Monday after Mauna Loa began erupting Sunday night in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Mauna Loa, the worlds largest active volcano, began erupting at 11:30 p.m. HST Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The eruption is so far contained to the summit caldera, Mokuāweoweo, but the lava is visible from Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island, the agency said.
A video shared by 365 Hawaii Group shows the red glow over the volcano early Monday, as seen from Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona, about 30 miles away.
The volcano is spewing gas, ash and debris, but downslope communities are not currently threatened by lava flows. According to the National Weather Service Honolulu, up to a quarter-inch of ashfall accumulation is possible across parts of the island Monday morning.
“People with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors to avoid inhaling the ash particles and anyone outside should cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth,” the agency said.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has closed Mauna Loa Road from Kīpukapuaulu until further notice. As a precaution, shelters have been established in Kailua-Kona and Pahala.
The eruption marks the end of the longest quiet period in Mauna Loas recorded history, which began when it last erupted in 1984.
