World’s largest active volcano erupting for first time in almost 40 years

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano erupts

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, world’s largest active volcano, erupts for first time in decades

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Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, started erupting Sunday night and lava was flowing from its summit by Monday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Officials said that the lava was not expected to cause any damage to populated areas.

“Lava flows are not threatening any downslope communities and all indications are that the eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone,” the USGS said in a statement.

Still, the agency warned all residents on Hawaii Island who are “at risk from Mauna Loa lava flows” to “review preparedness and refer to Hawai’i County Civil Defense information for further guidance. “

The early stages of an eruption can be dynamic, the agency warned, adding that “lava flows can change rapidly. “

In this aerial photo released by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Mauna Loa volcano is seen erupting from vents on the Northeast Rift Zone on the Big Island of Hawaii, Nov. 28, 2022.

U.S. Geological Survey via AP

Residents were also warned volcanic gas, ash and thin glass fibers known as Pele’s hair could be carried downwind.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said it was “in close consultation with emergency management partners and will be monitoring the volcano closely to provide further updates on activity. “

A satellite captured images of Sunday’s eruption from space. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration posted images of the heat signature and release of sulfur dioxide from the volcano.

— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) November 28, 2022

In response to the eruption, Southwest Airlines canceled 10 interisland flights between Hilo, the island’s biggest city, and Honolulu, the carrier told CBS News. Hawaiian Airlines stated that it was still operating on Hilo and Kona islands while monitoring the eruption. Untied Airlines reported no cancellations or delays Monday morning.

Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843, according to the USGS. It last erupted in 1984, when lava spilled down its slopes and came within 4.5 miles of Hilo.

Mauna Loa’s Hawaiian name means “long mountain,” which is fitting as the huge mountain extends roughly 74 miles from its edge along Hawaii Island’s southern coast, to the rim of its summit caldera, or crater, where the eruption began on Sunday evening.