At approximately 11:30 p.m. HST on Sunday, November 27, Mauna Loa volcano began erupting.

At this time, the lava is confined to the immediate area of the mountain’s summit, and has not begun flowing outside that area. No communities downslope from the caldera are immediately threatened, and about half of all recorded Mauna Loa eruptions have been confined to the summit area.

The United States Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has increased the alert level for volcanic activity on Mauna Loa from “advisory” to “warning” with the start of eruption.HVO also increased the aviation threat level from “yellow” to “red” to reflect the presence of airborne gases, ash particles and possibly “Pele’s hair” volcanic glass fibers. The volcanic particles also prompted the National Weather Service to issue an Ashfall Advisory for the Big Island through 6 a.m. Monday, with a quarter-inch of ash accumulation possible. People with respiratory problems should stay indoors or wear masks or cloths to limit exposure to the particles.

The Hawaiʻi County Police Department is advising the public to avoid Mauna Loa Access Road. The summit eruption has closed Mauna Loa Access Road at the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway.  The closure will be ongoing.

The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) has activated its Emergency Operations Center for enhanced monitoring of the evolving situation. The community will continue to be updated as the eruption evolves.

People living on the Mauna Loa slopes should stay informed through HCCDA alerts and take steps to prepare in the event action is needed.

Photo credit: USGS