Earthquake and eruption of Kīlauea Volcano in the United States

Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii erupted on 4 May, and the island also experienced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the same day. 2000 people were evacuated from the area and hundreds of homes in the path of the eruption were placed at risk, but no casualties were reported.

The volcano is located on Hawaii's Big Island, and has been active for decades. Authorities reported that 35 buildings were destroyed in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens areas, where 12 fissures and volcanic vents opened in the East Rift Zone of the volcano. Lava erupted as high as 70m from the vents in some areas and caused lava to stream through the streets. The extent of the lava wass reported as 36,000 square metres at the most active fissure.

High quantities of sulphur dioxide from the volcano posed another hazard to residents, as the gas is toxic to breathe. Residents were urged not to return to the affected areas until conditions improved.

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