Lava Comes to Pahoa for Christmas

Sean King, who is a fabulous local photographer, captured this amazing from-the-source photo.  Lava is now flowing toward the Pahoa Marketplace in Pahoa Village, from the back side.  This is the home of  our local Malama Market that, along with many other small local businesses, are evacuating right now.

Lava follows the path of least resistance and as the 12/18 map from USGS shows, the lava has split into two fronts. The upper branch is the one directly behind Malama Market now.  While the lower branch has stalled temporarily, if/when it begins to flow again, it will threaten the very heart of Pahoa Village.

Right now, we are thankful we have had time to prepare as the holidays are just a few days away, and no one know what may be happening next. Looks like we will be getting something black and lumpy in our stockings this year.  :-(