Hawaii's Mauna Loa Erupts for First Time Since 1984
AllSides Summary
Hawaii's Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, began erupting late Sunday, leading officials to declare an ashfall advisory and warn nearby residents of possible lava flow.
Key Quotes: "Residents at risk from Mauna Loa lava flows should review preparedness and refer to Hawaii County Civil Defense information for further guidance," the U.S. Geological Survey said in a warning to residents. "Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly." Hawaii's Tourism Authority said on Twitter Monday that the eruption "is not currently threatening communities downhill or affecting flights to the Island of Hawaiʻi."
For Context: Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843, but none since 1984, when lava flows came within 5 miles of the town of Hilo. In recent weeks, local officials had begun to prepare for possible eruptions amid earthquake activity at the volcano. Mauna Loa is 13,681 feet tall and covers roughly half the island of Hawaii, often known as the Big Island. The island's population has grown from 92,000 in 1980 to roughly 200,000 today.
How the Media Covered It: News sources across the political spectrum highlighted the eruption Monday morning.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Mauna Loa is erupting for the first time since 1984, prompting an ashfall advisory for Hawaii’s Big Island
The world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, is erupting for the first time in nearly 40 years, sparking an ashfall advisory Monday for Hawaii’s Big Island and surrounding waters until 6 a.m. HST (11 a.m. ET).
Up to a quarter inch of ashfall could accumulate on portions of the island.
“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 National Weather Service in Honolulu warned.
“Possible harm to crops and animals. Minor...
From the Center
Mauna Loa erupting; county opens shelters as South Kona residents self-evacuate
After 38 years of silence, Mauna Loa is erupting.
Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the eruption began at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday in Mokuaweoweo, the summit caldera of the volcano.
USGS webcams at the summit clearly showed a long fissure erupting fountains of lava which was spreading along the caldera floor.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially said that lava was contained to the caldera. But within two hours of the start of the eruption, residents on the Kona side of the volcano recorded images that appeared to show...
From the Right
Mauna Loa eruption: Hawaii Big Island volcano erupting as ash fall warnings issued
Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano located in Hawaii, began erupting late Sunday night, prompting officials to issue a warning to residents who live in the surrounding area of possible lava flow.
Hawaii officials issued an emergency alert around 11:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, warning that a volcanic eruption had been detected inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near the summit caldera of Mauna Loa. Officials warned the eruption could cause volcanic gas and ash to be carried by the winds but confirmed “lava flows are contained within the summit area and are...
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