The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a weekly update on Kilauea volcano, noting increased earthquake activity at the summit region. There were approximately 75 earthquakes recorded at the summit, most below magnitude-2.1, and ground deformation has been observed, indicating ongoing inflation as magma accumulates within the volcano. The upper Southwest Rift Zone has also seen increased seismicity, while the upper East Rift Zone and middle East Rift Zone have had consistent activity. No unusual activity has been noted east of Puʻuʻōʻō along Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone. Hazards associated with recent eruptions include ground fractures, subsidence features, sharp surfaces, uneven terrain, and elevated levels of volcanic gases. The public is advised to avoid these hazardous areas. The volcano’s caldera also poses risks due to instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls, prompting an ongoing closure to the public since 2008.
HVO will continue to issue weekly updates on Kilauea and closely monitor the volcano in coordination with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency. If volcanic activity changes significantly, a Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued. Visitors can access more information on the volcano’s activity, webcam images, photos/videos, lava-flow maps, and FAQs online. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, part of the U.S. Geological Survey, is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. For more information, the public can contact askHVO@usgs.gov, subscribe to messages, view recent earthquakes in Hawai‘i, or learn about volcanic alert levels and aviation color codes.
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www.usgs.gov