Although seismic activity continues on Mauna Loa,  there are no signs an eruption is imminent according to Hawai‘i County emergency managers and experts on volcano geology.

Both the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency (HCDA) and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) have increased monitoring of the volcano. The United States Geologic Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has been issuing daily reports on Mauna Loa’s activity since September but has indicated its scientists have seen no indications of an immediate threat.

“Mauna Loa continues to be in a state of heightened unrest,” said Ken Hon, chief scientist at HVO in a statement.  Hon continued, “In the observatory’s most recent report on the active volcano. However, Hon noted, “the current increase in activity does not suggest that a progression to an eruption is certain.”

HCDA has been posting daily snapshots via social media of Mauna Loa’s activity, based on data from HVO, including the current alert level, status, and a recap of activity over the previous 24 hours.

Last weekend, Magno and Hon met with Hawai‘i island residents at the Ocean View community center to discuss the latest readings and preparedness measures. They noted that because Mauna Loa covers 51% of the island’s area, it’s hard to predict which areas might be affected if an eruption occurs. If lava were to break out of the summit area, Magno said, the County would provide specific information about any necessary safety or evacuation measures, including details about routes and shelters.

 

HVNP Photo