Days After Kilauea Volcano Erupted, Lava and Hazardous Fumes Continue To Engulf Hawaii

When Kilauea volcano erupted on Thursday, it spewed molten rock, high levels of sulfur dioxide and hot magma that was a bright orange. The volcanic eruption created fissures that spread for miles. Lava burst through the volcanic vents in the Kilauea rift zone that is miles away from the main volcanic summit. Residents of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens were asked to evacuate and nearly 2000 people have been evacuated so far. The following day an earthquake of magnitude 6.9 had struck the Island. And after the big earthquake, the Island has endured an average of one earthquake per hour.

Four days after the Kilauea volcano erupted on Hawaii’s Big Island on Monday, Lava and hazardous fumes continue to grip the Island. The Hawaii Civil Defense informed that 35 structures that include at least 26 homes and a total of 12 fissures have been formed. Tourists have been warned by authorities to avoid Leilani Estates where Lava and fumes are spewing out of gigantic cracks. Risking their lives, some Leilani Estate residents even returned to their homes to retrieve their pets, vital documents, and medicines. Many evacuees are staying in emergency shelters not knowing when they’ll return home or even if their homes still exist.

Effects of toxic gases

The volcano has released large amounts of sulfur dioxide into the air which could be life-threatening to residents, especially those who suffer from respiratory issues. Breathing these toxic gases can result in the burning of the nose and throat which could also harm senior citizens and young people alike.

Authorities have stated that no mask sold in public stores can prevent the toxic effects of these gases and the best way that residents can protect themselves is to evacuate places that are exposed to these fumes. "The best way to protect yourself and your family from the extremely dangerous volcanic gases is to leave the immediate area of the volcano defined by the police and fire department," the state’s Emergency Management said.

Residents dejected by the volcanic eruption

The Kilauea volcanic eruption has left the citizens of Hawaii concerned and dejected. One resident- Steve Gebbie, initially stayed at home, when authorities asked residents to evacuate. Having said that, when Steve witnessed hot lava engulfing the streets which was not very far from his home, he decided to leave. He had to leave his home which he built with his own hands. "Now it's trying to figure out what the future brings. ... My work. My job. Am I going to have to move to somewhere else on the island?" Gebbie asked. "I'd have to start over at age 56. That's concerning."

Another resident by the name of Jordan Sonner built her home in 2016 that was located at close proximity to the volcano. The thought that one day the volcano would erupt did cross her mind, nonetheless, she was so excited to own her own home that she overlooked the dangerous possibility. Sonner was at work when she heard about the Lava engulfing her neighborhood. "It was a moment of panic," she said, "because the only thing I knew was, 'lava in Leilani.’”  Luckily, Sonner had clothes and important documents packed. She grabbed them and some other items that her dogs would need. The one precious item that she didn’t forget to take was a chain necklace that belonged to her father. I've always said that's the only thing I would run back into a burning building for, barring people and animals," she said. "There wasn't anything that important."

Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has been erupting constantly for the past 35 years. Now, it ’s left to be seen when the long wait of evacuees returning and building their homes from scratch, will finally come to an end.