Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reports that the Mauna Loa eruption continues on the Northeast Rift Zone. Three fissures erupted and as of 1:30 PM today, only the lowest of the three fissures was active. Estimates of the tallest fountain heights are between 100–200 ft but most are a few yards tall. The fissures sent lava flows to the northeast and parallel to the rift zone.

Lava flows from the two higher fissures moved downslope but stalled about 11 miles from Saddle Road. Fissure 3 is currently feeding lava flows moving east parallel to the Northeast Rift Zone. These remain at above 10,000 feet elevation and over 10 miles away from Saddle Road.

HVO does not expect upper fissures to reactivate. However, additional fissures could open along the Northeast Rift Zone below the current location, and lava flows can continue to travel downslope.

There is no active lava within Moku’āweoweo caldera, and there is no lava erupting from the Southwest Rift Zone. HVO does not expect any eruptive activity outside the Northeast Rift Zone. No property is at risk currently. There is a visible gas plume from the erupting fissure fountains and lava flows, with the plume primarily being blown to the Northwest.

Mauna Loa is not populated and lava does not pose a threat to any communities or infrastructure, at this time.  As a precaution, shelters at Old Kona Airport in Kailua-Kona and Ka`u Gymnasium in Pahala will remain open through tonight.

Residents with questions about emergency response and resoures can visit https://hawaii-county-volcano-hazards-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has closed the Mauna Loa Road from Kīpukapuaulu and the closure extends to the summit caldera

Vog information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/.