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COURTESY USGS
A screenshot from 7:53 a.m. today shows Fissure No. 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa volcano.
Editor’s Note: Bookmark this page. This story is developing and will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: 4:55 p.m.
The Mauna Loa eruption continued to diminish today with reduced output of lava, volcanic gases and fountaining, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-charge Ken Hon told a Facebook Live audience this afternoon.
“We’re seeing all the indicators that the eruption is slowing down. The real question here is what happens next,” he said.
Hon said two equally probable things could happen: One is the flow could sustain itself at low rates for a few months or maybe even a year or more, or the eruption is winding down and about to turn off.
UPDATE: 9 a.m.
Although the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa continues, the main lava flow front remains stalled and inactive.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory officials said this morning that the main flow inched northward at about 7 feet per hour as it settled about 1.7 miles from Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Scientists said the eruption activity is significantly reduced with low fountains feeding lava extending about 1.2 miles from the vent.
HVO officials said the significance of the reduced supply of lava is not yet clear and that a return to high levels could occur.
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The lava flow from Fissure No. 3 on Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaii island remains stalled this morning.
Hawaii County Civil Defense officials said there are active flows upslope above the 10,000-foot elevation.
Visitors are reminded that areas adjacent to Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Old Saddle Road and near the lava flow are closed for public safety.
No communities are currently at risk.
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