One of Hawaii’s active volcanoes, Kilauea, destroyed dozens of homes as it erupted on Thursday in Pahoa, Hawaii, as the Washington Post reports. Over the weekend, the volcano continued its destruction as lava broke through the ground at Leilani Estates. Officials have confirmed that at least 26 homes have been destroyed.
Unfortunately, more homes may be destroyed as the lava shows little signs of stopping. US Geological Survey volcanologist, Wendy Stovall, said that the volcano’s aftermath could spread well beyond its current 387,500 square feet.
“There’s more magma in the system to be erupted,” said Stovall. “As long as that supply is there, the eruption will continue.”
For residents affected by the eruption and ongoing lava, it’s just a part of their lives. Living on an island with active volcanoes prepared residents for this heartbreaking reality, as USA Today noted. As people continue to evacuate the area near Hilo to escape the lava and toxic gasses, others flock to the very area in an effort to capture one of a kind photographs.
Trevor Hughes, USA Today
Stovall said that living in Hawaii may have desensitized some residents to the danger of the eruption.
“I understand why people want to see them but it’s not advisable. It’s a dangerous situation,” said Stovall.
Meanwhile, county officials are continuing to warn residents that the situation changes quickly and has left unstable conditions around the roads and homes of the affected area.
In the aftermath, the island has experienced hundreds of earthquakes, many of which went undetected by residents. Here’s to hoping Pele lets residents breathe a little and Kilauea stops soon.