Earthquakes in Puna

Last two days we have had nearly non-stop seismic activity, and by that I do mean "non-stop" as the attached Hawaii Volcano Observatory map shows. But Phil has a very accurate earthquake monitoring system that registers AUDIBLE earthquake activity!

Phil's marble collection registers every small quake

The reason for all this activity is that there has been a collapse of part of the structure of the Pu'u O'o vent where lava has been flowing from Kilauea for over 30 years. All of a sudden, because of this collapse, lava has stopped flowing from this location....which means it is going somewhere new!! And, at this point, no one is able to predict just where all that molten lava will be coming out next -- but it will eventually.

So, living on the edge of this living land means that rather than watching the latest ridiculous T-Tweet, all of us Punatics are following reports by HVO, and fly-overs of the area. We have a very active Civil Defense network that keeps us all advised of changes in the situation like the message below.

In the meantime, life goes on -- Phil is making sawdust and I am headed out to the garden for a little weeding.

 This is a Civil Defense message for Tuesday afternoon, May 1, 2018 at 4.

The Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports increased shallow earthquake activity for Kilauea Volcano below Pu’u O’o in Puna District.
This means an outbreak of lava in a new location could occur. While it is not possible to predict where an outbreak could occur, the area east of Pu’u O’o is a possible location.
Due to the increased seismic activity, the following are issued:

• Department of Parks and Recreation has shut down the lava viewing area in Kalapana due to the proximity to the increased hazardous activity.
• Lower Puna area residents are advised to stay informed by listening to the radio, Civil Defense text alerts and social media sites.
• For up to date scientific information, go to active links on our Civil Defense website and the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory website.

Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatories and your Hawaii County Civil Defense will continuing to monitor the situation throughout the night. You will be informed as conditions change. Thank you for listening.
This is your Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency.