Volcano erruptions, earthquakes and Vog!!

This excitement began on Thursday, May 3rd when Kilauea
erupted in the lower Puna district of Hawaii.
Late that  evening, more than 250 earthquakes struck the volcano region in less than 24 hours, compromising the strength of the crater floor.  A powerful 6.9 magnitude quake hit on Friday, destroying the basin and spewing forth a flow of lava down the mountain.
Hal and I were at Costco getting gas when this earthquake hit.  We felt the car rock and roll and knew what it was but it was still a little scary!

Kilauea normally channels its lava flow to a giant lava lake near the magma chamber, but the earthquakes broke the internal structure, forcing the pressure up and out from the Earth’s surface. 

So then, a series of 11 fissures were ripped open, spitting long lava flows and toxic gas into the nearby Leilani Estates which is where we stayed with our friends (The Miles) when we went to the Hilo side of the island for Thanksgiving.  Fortunately for them, their home and Bed and Breakfast sit on higher ground and the lava flow has missed them.
The collection of pictures below were obviously not taken by us, but I did want a picture record of what has been happening on our island.

 The map below shows where all the volcano action is taking place.  We are on the opposite side of the island and about 100 miles away.

 These photo shows the gases, ash and steam venting from the volcano's cauldron - These gasses mix with fog and blow with the prevailing winds to the Kona side of the island creating gray skies and poor air quality.  Some days are worse than others depending on which way the wind is blowing!  

We also continue to have earthquakes which are causing the collapse of the crater walls at the summit.  The Hawaii Volcano National Park is closed due to all of this activity.

These are very determined golfers! No, Hal isn't one of them!

This photo shows fissure #8 which is still very active and empties into the ocean.

These eruptions, plumes and hot lava are beautiful but dangerous. 

 So far, hundreds of homes, roads, lots and businesses have been destroyed by the lava flows.  Tourism has really taken a hit and the end is not in sight!  I will keep you posted on what happens next.

The gray skies over Kona

A "voggy" Kona sunrise

ALOHA!!