A USGS scientist measures the temperature of gases emitted from a fissure at Leilani Estates on May 9, 2018. USGS/HVO. The eruptions at Kilauea took a bit of a break over the last day -- at least at the surface. The fissures that opened in Leilani Estates (see above) haven't erupted much new lava, but the are still emitting copious amounts of volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide. So, right now, that is the biggest hazard for people on the east side of the big island: the threat of volcanic fog, or vog. The mixture of water and sulfur dioxide makes acid, which can then irritate eyes, nose, mouth and lungs (at best) and cause extreme respiratory distress and death (at worst). However, as with most volcanoes, the real action to watch is happening underground. Earthquakes continues under the Puna area where the fissures opened and there is some indication that magma could be moving further down the East Rift zone, so the potential for eruptions to the northeast of Leilani Estates might be increasing. So far, this eruption has covered over 115 acres of land in and around Leilani Estates and destroyed at least 35 structures (mainly homes), displacing thousands of residents. UPDATE 12:15 pm EDT May 10:Here are some more details on the current assessment of the situation by the scientists at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory:
another amazing picture (9th May) provided by Bruce Omori about the fissure eruption at the East Rift Zone, Big Island, Hawaii. Mahalo Bruce! pic.twitter.com/5L5lbiyjYn
