Volcanic activity forces evacuations in Hawaii

Photo taken in Kalapana, courtesy of NPS Volunteer Janice Wei.
 Photo: Janice Wei /Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

An evacuation notice has been issued on Hawaii's Big Island after steam and lava pouring out of a crack in a residential area this afternoon, Radio New Zealand reports.  The call by Hawaii county to ask people to start evacuating comes after pink plumes of smoke were seen tnd cracks in the road widened, and in the past week there has been ongoing seismic activity.

The biggest was a magnitude 5.0 quake that struck Hawaii's Big Island today, that caused ongoing fears that a volcanic eruption was eminent.

The evacuation notice is to all residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions, and shelters have been opened.

Residents were told to bring emergency supply kits and all travel to the Big Island should be avoided for now.

Hawaii County Civil Defense, Police and Fire are helping with evacuation efforts and the situation is being closely monitored. RNZI