Deep-sea researchers have found a mysterious yellow brick path on the ocean floor of the Pacific Ocean, with many drawing parallels to the pathway of the ancient lost city of Atlantis.

Live footage of the deep-sea expedition was released online last month by the crew of Exploration Vessel Nautilus which caught the sight of the strange-looking formation.

The footage showed a strange-looking formation resembling a road paved in cobblestones.

The researchers who viewed the live dive footage described it as a "yellow brick road" and "the road to Atlantis," and also called it bizarre, cool and crazy.

The incredible rock formation was found in the Liliʻuokalani Ridge in the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the Pacific Ocean, near Hawaii.

PMNM is the largest contiguous fully protected conservation areas in the world.

According to reports, the PMNM areas encompasses 582,578 square miles of the Pacific Ocean, an area larger than all of the US' national parks combined.

So far, the researchers have only explored about three per cent of its seafloor.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TID2kc8yb9Q" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“It's the road to Atlantis,” a researcher on the radio can be heard saying, according to the Daily Mail.

“The yellow brick road?” another added jokingly, while a separate member team member called it “bizarre” and “crazy”.

The team said that the ‘yellow brick road’ is actually an example of ancient active volcanic geology

In a statement, the exploration team said, “Our Corps of Exploration have witnessed incredibly unique and fascinating geological formations while diving on the Liliʻuokalani Ridge within the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument."

The unique 90-degree fractures are likely related to heating and cooling stress from multiple eruptions at this baked margin.&nbsp;

'Throughout the seamount chain, the team also sampled basalts coated with ferromanganese (iron-manganese) crusts from across different depths and oxygen saturations as well as an interesting-looking pumice rock that almost resembled a sponge.'

The exploration vessel is operated by the non-profit Ocean Exploration Trust, which livestreams&nbsp;what its remote-operated diving vehicles see in the deep.

(With inputs from agencies)

Deep-sea researchers have found a mysterious yellow brick path on the ocean floor of the Pacific Ocean, with many drawing parallels to the pathway of the ancient lost city of Atlantis.

Deep-sea researchers have found a mysterious yellow brick path on the ocean floor of the Pacific Ocean, with many drawing parallels to the pathway of the ancient lost city of Atlantis. Live footage of the deep-sea expedition was released online last month by the crew of Exploration Vessel Nautilus which caught the sight of the strange-looking formation. The footage showed a strange-looking formation resembling a road paved in cobblestones. The researchers who viewed the live dive footage described it as a "yellow brick road" and "the road to Atlantis," and also called it bizarre, cool and crazy. The incredible rock formation was found in the Liliʻuokalani Ridge in the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the Pacific Ocean, near Hawaii. PMNM is the largest contiguous fully protected conservation areas in the world. According to reports, the PMNM areas encompasses 582,578 square miles of the Pacific Ocean, an area larger than all of the US' national parks combined. So far, the researchers have only explored about three per cent of its seafloor. × “It's the road to Atlantis,” a researcher on the radio can be heard saying, according to the Daily Mail. “The yellow brick road?” another added jokingly, while a separate member team member called it “bizarre” and “crazy”. The team said that the ‘yellow brick road’ is actually an example of ancient active volcanic geology In a statement, the exploration team said, “Our Corps of Exploration have witnessed incredibly unique and fascinating geological formations while diving on the Liliʻuokalani Ridge within the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument." The unique 90-degree fractures are likely related to heating and cooling stress from multiple eruptions at this baked margin. 'Throughout the seamount chain, the team also sampled basalts coated with ferromanganese (iron-manganese) crusts from across different depths and oxygen saturations as well as an interesting-looking pumice rock that almost resembled a sponge.' The exploration vessel is operated by the non-profit Ocean Exploration Trust, which livestreams what its remote-operated diving vehicles see in the deep. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Is that road to Atlantis?’ Deep-sea divers discover mysterious yellow brick path in the Pacific

The skies of Hawaii had a marvelous show on display just a few days ago. The night skies over the island lit up by a tiny speck that resembled a 'flying whirlpool'. The spiral structure spun and spun as it fell till it disappeared.&nbsp;

The spectacle was captured by the Subaru Telescope.

The 'flying whirlpool' emerged in the skies just hours after SpaceX's Falcon-9 launched a spy satellite from California. SpaceX launched the spy satellite for USNRO (US National Reconnaissance Organisation).

The whirlpool seen in Hawaii was upper-stage rocket from the launch falling back to ground after performing the function required of it.

The video above "shows the characteristic spiral caused by the post-deorbit-burn fuel vent of the Falcon 9 upper stage, which was deorbited over the Pacific [Ocean] just after the end of the 1st revolution," Netherlands-based satellite tracker Marco Langbroek told SpaceWeather.com. &nbsp;

The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California

The Subaru Telescope, which captured the falling whirlpool of the SpaceX rocket, is located on Mauna Kea mountain in Hawaii. It operates at an altitude of 13,579 feet (4,139 meters). It is 8.2 metre optical infrared telescope. It is operated by National Astronomical Observatory in Japan.

The skies of Hawaii had a marvelous show on display just a few days ago. The night skies over the island lit up by a tiny speck that resembled a 'flying whirlpool'.

The skies of Hawaii had a marvelous show on display just a few days ago. The night skies over the island lit up by a tiny speck that resembled a 'flying whirlpool'. The spiral structure spun and spun as it fell till it disappeared. The spectacle was captured by the Subaru Telescope. The 'flying whirlpool' emerged in the skies just hours after SpaceX's Falcon-9 launched a spy satellite from California. SpaceX launched the spy satellite for USNRO (US National Reconnaissance Organisation). The whirlpool seen in Hawaii was upper-stage rocket from the launch falling back to ground after performing the function required of it. The video above "shows the characteristic spiral caused by the post-deorbit-burn fuel vent of the Falcon 9 upper stage, which was deorbited over the Pacific [Ocean] just after the end of the 1st revolution," Netherlands-based satellite tracker Marco Langbroek told SpaceWeather.com. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California The Subaru Telescope, which captured the falling whirlpool of the SpaceX rocket, is located on Mauna Kea mountain in Hawaii. It operates at an altitude of 13,579 feet (4,139 meters). It is 8.2 metre optical infrared telescope. It is operated by National Astronomical Observatory in Japan.

Mysterious 'flying whirlpool' over Hawaii turns out to be a dying SpaceX rocket

As the US strives to move on from the once-ferocious Omicron wave, Hawaii became the 50th and final state to announce that it will suspend its universal indoor mask law.

In a sudden reversal, Gov. David Ige said at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that the mandate would be phased out beginning March 26.&nbsp;

Omicron cases soared in Hawaii, as they did across the country, from December to mid-January before rapidly declining.

As the wave subsided, officials on the mainland of the United States moved to repeal mask laws, leaving Hawaii and Puerto Rico as the last holdouts.

On Monday, Puerto Rico stated that the mask requirement for most areas would be eliminated on Thursday.&nbsp;

Hawaii's education administration withdrew the outdoor mask rule on school campuses on Tuesday, although masks are still required indoors at public schools in the state, which was the last to do so.

The removal of Hawaii's blanket mandate was a sharp contrast to Mr. Ige's announcement a week ago that the state's indoor mask rule would remain in place despite other limitations being lifted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the US strives to move on from the once-ferocious Omicron wave, Hawaii became the 50th and final state to announce that it will suspend its universal indoor mask law.

As the US strives to move on from the once-ferocious Omicron wave, Hawaii became the 50th and final state to announce that it will suspend its universal indoor mask law. In a sudden reversal, Gov. David Ige said at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that the mandate would be phased out beginning March 26. Omicron cases soared in Hawaii, as they did across the country, from December to mid-January before rapidly declining. As the wave subsided, officials on the mainland of the United States moved to repeal mask laws, leaving Hawaii and Puerto Rico as the last holdouts. On Monday, Puerto Rico stated that the mask requirement for most areas would be eliminated on Thursday. Hawaii's education administration withdrew the outdoor mask rule on school campuses on Tuesday, although masks are still required indoors at public schools in the state, which was the last to do so. The removal of Hawaii's blanket mandate was a sharp contrast to Mr. Ige's announcement a week ago that the state's indoor mask rule would remain in place despite other limitations being lifted. (With inputs from agencies)

Hawaii will become last state in US to drop its mask mandate on March 26

Billionaire and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has bought more property in Hawaii amid protests from locals, according to reports.

The tech billionaire has bought 110 more acres of land, including a former sugar plantation reservoir on Kauai that unleashed a deadly flood 15 years ago, worth $17 million, Honolulu newspaper Star-Advertiser reported.

With this latest purchase, Zuckerberg’s estate, which he calls Ko’olau Ranch, has grown to nearly 1,500 acres, including&nbsp;a pristine forest, on Kauai's north shore.

The reservoir, whose dam broke which led to a flood that killed seven people in 2006, remains unrepaired and on the state’s list of high-risk dams.

But, Ben LaBolt, spokesman for the couple, told news agency AP that Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chang are committed to doing their part of fulfilling legal requirements and promoting safety of the reservoir.

The couple plan to extend farming, ranching, conservation and wildlife protection work on the land, LaBolt said. They already had 1,300 acres (526 hectares) on the island.

This is Zuckerberg's second purchase this year: In March, he paid $53 million for nearly 600 acres of land on Kauai that includes a public beach and a working cattle ranch. That added to the 750 acres he purchased nearby in 2014.

But Zuckerberg’s presence on the island has remained controversial.

According to Star-Advertiser, Zuckerberg had filed several lawsuits aimed at forcing these families to sell their land at a public court auction to the highest bidder, a legal action known as “quiet title and partition”.

He also reportedly built a six-foot wall last year, to cut off locals’ access to his estate.

(With inputs from agencies)

Billionaire and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has bought more property in Hawaii amid protests from locals, according to reports. The tech billionaire has bought 110 more acres of land, including a former sugar plantation reservoir on Kauai that unleashed a deadly flood 15 years ago, worth $17 million, Honolulu newspaper Star-Advertiser reported.

Billionaire and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has bought more property in Hawaii amid protests from locals, according to reports. The tech billionaire has bought 110 more acres of land, including a former sugar plantation reservoir on Kauai that unleashed a deadly flood 15 years ago, worth $17 million, Honolulu newspaper Star-Advertiser reported. With this latest purchase, Zuckerberg’s estate, which he calls Ko’olau Ranch, has grown to nearly 1,500 acres, including a pristine forest, on Kauai's north shore. The reservoir, whose dam broke which led to a flood that killed seven people in 2006, remains unrepaired and on the state’s list of high-risk dams. But, Ben LaBolt, spokesman for the couple, told news agency AP that Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chang are committed to doing their part of fulfilling legal requirements and promoting safety of the reservoir. The couple plan to extend farming, ranching, conservation and wildlife protection work on the land, LaBolt said. They already had 1,300 acres (526 hectares) on the island. This is Zuckerberg's second purchase this year: In March, he paid $53 million for nearly 600 acres of land on Kauai that includes a public beach and a working cattle ranch. That added to the 750 acres he purchased nearby in 2014. But Zuckerberg’s presence on the island has remained controversial. According to Star-Advertiser, Zuckerberg had filed several lawsuits aimed at forcing these families to sell their land at a public court auction to the highest bidder, a legal action known as “quiet title and partition”. He also reportedly built a six-foot wall last year, to cut off locals’ access to his estate. (With inputs from agencies)

Mark Zuckerberg buys 110 more acres of land, including deadly reservoir, in Hawaii

Hawaii health officials have instructed residents living at an Oahu military base to avoid drinking their tap water after high concentrations of diesel fuel were discovered in at least one well, contaminating a system used by tens of thousands of people and several day care centers and schools.

State health officials announced Friday that testing of a well overseen by the Navy had detected gasoline- and diesel-range hydrocarbons at levels up to 350 times what the state considers safe for drinking water.

The well, known as the Red Hill shaft, is one of three wells that are run by the Navy. Last month, the Navy began receiving complaints from residents of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam who said their water tasted and smelled like gas.

Since then, the Navy has shut down two of its wells, relocated more than 3,000 families to hotels across the island and distributed bottled water to families and officials.

“The Navy is responsible for this crisis,” Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said Friday at a public hearing with Navy officials and state legislators. “We are taking ownership of the solutions, and we are going to fix it. We are in the process of fixing this.”

The wells are part of three groundwater sources that provide drinking water to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system, which serves residents of military housing, the Aliamanu Military Reservation, and several elementary schools and day care centers.

On Thursday, the Navy said it had found “elevated” amounts of “total petroleum hydrocarbon” in samples taken near another groundwater source, the Aiea Halawa well, which was shut down December&nbsp;3. That discovery was announced about a week after the Navy said samples taken from the Red Hill shaft showed the water had been contaminated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/collapse-at-amazon-warehouse-sparks-debate-on-phone-ban-employees-say-they-will-quit-436198">Also read |&nbsp;Collapse at Amazon warehouse sparks debate on phone ban; employees say they will quit</a>

The state said about 93,000 people have been affected.

Residents have complained of sickened pets and reported symptoms including sore throats, stomach pain, headaches, diarrhea and vomiting. Health officials said people who were exposed to the contaminated water could also experience difficulty breathing, coughing and red or peeling skin.

“The level of this contaminant poses a public health threat, and is considered unsafe to drink,” Kathleen Ho, deputy director for environmental health at the Hawaii State Department of Health, said in a statement. “We will continue to take all possible action to protect public health and the environment.”

People were also instructed to avoid cooking with the water, bathing in it or washing dishes and clothes.

“This includes consumption by pets,” the department said.

Health officials said that for the moment, they do not expect long-term health effects to result from the exposure.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said he had suspended operations at the underground storage tanks at the Red Hill military fuel storage site in Oahu.

Navy officials said they believed that the water in the Red Hill well was contaminated after jet fuel spilled into an access tunnel at the site on November&nbsp;20. The spill was cleaned up in 24 to 30 hours, according to the Navy, but not before it leached into the water system.

“I deeply apologize to each and every one of you and to the people of Hawaii that this incident may have been destructive to your lives in any way,” Del Toro told residents of the base Sunday during a four-hour community meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-44000-people-protest-in-austria-after-government-mandates-covid-vaccine-436175">Also read |&nbsp;Nearly 44,000 people protest in Austria after government mandates Covid vaccine</a>

Health officials in Hawaii have ordered the Navy to clean up its water system and suspend operations at Red Hill.

Gov. David Ige and members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have described the contamination issue as a “crisis.”

Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said the Environmental Protection Agency should take full control of testing and analyzing the water in the system.

“We need a trusted independent agency with deep expertise and a mission of environmental protection to take over,” he said in a statement.

Del Toro said last weekend that he was determined to get to the “root cause of this problem” and fix it so that “you can feel confident that the water you are drinking is safe.”

Navy officials said at the hearing Friday that they planned to clean up the Red Hill well by flushing it with 25 million gallons of clean water.

The Navy said it would then flush out the water systems in every house and building that had experienced contamination.

The plan is to get people back in their homes by Christmas, said Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, a goal he acknowledged was “very aggressive.”

“That remains my personal goal for the sake of our families,” he said.

Hawaii health officials have instructed residents living at an Oahu military base to avoid drinking their tap water after high concentrations of diesel fuel were discovered in at least one well, contaminating a system used by tens of thousands of people and several day care centers and schools.

Hawaii health officials have instructed residents living at an Oahu military base to avoid drinking their tap water after high concentrations of diesel fuel were discovered in at least one well, contaminating a system used by tens of thousands of people and several day care centers and schools. State health officials announced Friday that testing of a well overseen by the Navy had detected gasoline- and diesel-range hydrocarbons at levels up to 350 times what the state considers safe for drinking water. The well, known as the Red Hill shaft, is one of three wells that are run by the Navy. Last month, the Navy began receiving complaints from residents of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam who said their water tasted and smelled like gas. Since then, the Navy has shut down two of its wells, relocated more than 3,000 families to hotels across the island and distributed bottled water to families and officials. “The Navy is responsible for this crisis,” Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said Friday at a public hearing with Navy officials and state legislators. “We are taking ownership of the solutions, and we are going to fix it. We are in the process of fixing this.” The wells are part of three groundwater sources that provide drinking water to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system, which serves residents of military housing, the Aliamanu Military Reservation, and several elementary schools and day care centers. On Thursday, the Navy said it had found “elevated” amounts of “total petroleum hydrocarbon” in samples taken near another groundwater source, the Aiea Halawa well, which was shut down December 3. That discovery was announced about a week after the Navy said samples taken from the Red Hill shaft showed the water had been contaminated. Also read | Collapse at Amazon warehouse sparks debate on phone ban; employees say they will quit The state said about 93,000 people have been affected. Residents have complained of sickened pets and reported symptoms including sore throats, stomach pain, headaches, diarrhea and vomiting. Health officials said people who were exposed to the contaminated water could also experience difficulty breathing, coughing and red or peeling skin. “The level of this contaminant poses a public health threat, and is considered unsafe to drink,” Kathleen Ho, deputy director for environmental health at the Hawaii State Department of Health, said in a statement. “We will continue to take all possible action to protect public health and the environment.” People were also instructed to avoid cooking with the water, bathing in it or washing dishes and clothes. “This includes consumption by pets,” the department said. Health officials said that for the moment, they do not expect long-term health effects to result from the exposure. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said he had suspended operations at the underground storage tanks at the Red Hill military fuel storage site in Oahu. Navy officials said they believed that the water in the Red Hill well was contaminated after jet fuel spilled into an access tunnel at the site on November 20. The spill was cleaned up in 24 to 30 hours, according to the Navy, but not before it leached into the water system. “I deeply apologize to each and every one of you and to the people of Hawaii that this incident may have been destructive to your lives in any way,” Del Toro told residents of the base Sunday during a four-hour community meeting. Also read | Nearly 44,000 people protest in Austria after government mandates Covid vaccine Health officials in Hawaii have ordered the Navy to clean up its water system and suspend operations at Red Hill. Gov. David Ige and members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have described the contamination issue as a “crisis.” Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said the Environmental Protection Agency should take full control of testing and analyzing the water in the system. “We need a trusted independent agency with deep expertise and a mission of environmental protection to take over,” he said in a statement. Del Toro said last weekend that he was determined to get to the “root cause of this problem” and fix it so that “you can feel confident that the water you are drinking is safe.” Navy officials said at the hearing Friday that they planned to clean up the Red Hill well by flushing it with 25 million gallons of clean water. The Navy said it would then flush out the water systems in every house and building that had experienced contamination. The plan is to get people back in their homes by Christmas, said Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, a goal he acknowledged was “very aggressive.” “That remains my personal goal for the sake of our families,” he said.

In Hawaii, fears grow over unsafe levels of petroleum in drinking water

Due to unauthorised trespassing and accidents at the location, Hawaii's iconic Haiku Stairs, often known as the "Stairway to Heaven," will be removed.

The stairwell was constructed by the United States.

Despite being closed to the public for nearly 30 years, the Navy in the 1940s is now known to have the best views in Hawaii.

Its 3,922 stairs lead up a mountain in Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu's eastern shore.

Visitors aren't allowed on the stairs, but that hasn't stopped individuals from wandering onto the trail, often climbing residential fences and wandering through backyards to gain access.&nbsp;

The stairwell was permanently closed to the public in 1987.

Hikers, YouTubers, adrenaline seekers, and other tourists snuck inside the site despite the closure.

There have been countless injuries there over the years, the most recent being a 24-year-old who was airlifted out in April after injuring his knee.&nbsp;

There is currently a $1,000 fine for those caught trespassing at the stairs.

(With inputs from agencies)

Due to unauthorised trespassing and accidents at the location, Hawaii's iconic Haiku Stairs, often known as the "Stairway to Heaven," will be removed. The stairwell was constructed by the United States.

Due to unauthorised trespassing and accidents at the location, Hawaii's iconic Haiku Stairs, often known as the "Stairway to Heaven," will be removed. The stairwell was constructed by the United States. Despite being closed to the public for nearly 30 years, the Navy in the 1940s is now known to have the best views in Hawaii. Its 3,922 stairs lead up a mountain in Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu's eastern shore. Visitors aren't allowed on the stairs, but that hasn't stopped individuals from wandering onto the trail, often climbing residential fences and wandering through backyards to gain access. The stairwell was permanently closed to the public in 1987. Hikers, YouTubers, adrenaline seekers, and other tourists snuck inside the site despite the closure. There have been countless injuries there over the years, the most recent being a 24-year-old who was airlifted out in April after injuring his knee. There is currently a $1,000 fine for those caught trespassing at the stairs. (With inputs from agencies)

'Stairway to heaven': Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs will likely be removed

Amid growing tensions between the US and China in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cold-war-mentality-china-lashes-out-at-us-australia-uk-nuclear-submarine-deal-413373">Indo-Pacific</a>, state-run Global Times editor&nbsp;Hu Xijin in a tweet said Chinese warships could "show up near Hawaii and Guam one day" and "that day will come soon".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hopefully when Chinese warships pass through the Caribbean Sea or show up near Hawaii and Guam one day, the US will uphold the same standard of freedom of navigation. That day will come soon. <a href="https://t.co/7fRn8PVZuS">pic.twitter.com/7fRn8PVZuS</a>
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1435574564893851649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Xijin's comments came after the US Navy said it&nbsp;had&nbsp;"upheld the standards of freedom of navigation longer than the PLA navy has existed."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNavy</a> has upheld the standards of freedom of navigation longer than the PLA navy has existed. Here's a more recent example you may have forgotten <a href="https://t.co/DOPOprv57N">https://t.co/DOPOprv57N</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZTzF4pqyUs">https://t.co/ZTzF4pqyUs</a>
— Navy Chief of Information (@chinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/chinfo/status/1435579827407372298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The US Navy added, "PRC's behaviour stands in contrast to the US adherence to international law and our vision of free and open Indo-Pacific."

"All nations, large and small should be secure in their sovereignty, free from coercion and able to pursue economic growth," it added in a tweet.

The tweet&nbsp;enraged the Global Times chief who said, "The history of some Chinese dynasties is longer than the US," adding," when Zheng made voyages in the Ming dynasty, Columbus who discovered the New World was not yet born."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The history of some Chinese dynasties is longer than the US’s. When Zheng He made voyages in the Ming Dynasty, Columbus who discovered the New World was not yet born. The US arrogantly regards power as rule. China’s long civilization has recorded many such lessons. <a href="https://t.co/ASF9c8snC6">https://t.co/ASF9c8snC6</a>
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1435603727243624449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The US arrogantly regards power as rule. China’s long civilization has recorded many such lessons," an angry Xijin asserted.

US and China have been at loggerheads over the "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea as the US has repeatedly sent its Naval carriers to the area. China claims islands in the South China Sea as its own amid competing claims by several countries in the region.

On Wednesday, the US, Australia and the UK entered into a defence pact allowing&nbsp;Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines in a move to reportedly contain China.&nbsp;

The Chinese embassy in Washington hit out saying the countries should "shake off their cold war mentality and ideological prejudice" amid escalating tensions between Australia and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amid growing tensions between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific, state-run Global Times editor Hu Xijin in a tweet said Chinese warships could "show up near Hawaii and Guam one day" and "that day will come soon".

Amid growing tensions between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific, state-run Global Times editor Hu Xijin in a tweet said Chinese warships could "show up near Hawaii and Guam one day" and "that day will come soon". Hopefully when Chinese warships pass through the Caribbean Sea or show up near Hawaii and Guam one day, the US will uphold the same standard of freedom of navigation. That day will come soon. pic.twitter.com/7fRn8PVZuS — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) September 8, 2021 × Xijin's comments came after the US Navy said it had "upheld the standards of freedom of navigation longer than the PLA navy has existed." The @USNavy has upheld the standards of freedom of navigation longer than the PLA navy has existed. Here's a more recent example you may have forgotten https://t.co/DOPOprv57N https://t.co/ZTzF4pqyUs — Navy Chief of Information (@chinfo) September 8, 2021 × The US Navy added, "PRC's behaviour stands in contrast to the US adherence to international law and our vision of free and open Indo-Pacific." "All nations, large and small should be secure in their sovereignty, free from coercion and able to pursue economic growth," it added in a tweet. The tweet enraged the Global Times chief who said, "The history of some Chinese dynasties is longer than the US," adding," when Zheng made voyages in the Ming dynasty, Columbus who discovered the New World was not yet born." The history of some Chinese dynasties is longer than the US’s. When Zheng He made voyages in the Ming Dynasty, Columbus who discovered the New World was not yet born. The US arrogantly regards power as rule. China’s long civilization has recorded many such lessons. https://t.co/ASF9c8snC6 — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) September 8, 2021 × "The US arrogantly regards power as rule. China’s long civilization has recorded many such lessons," an angry Xijin asserted. US and China have been at loggerheads over the "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea as the US has repeatedly sent its Naval carriers to the area. China claims islands in the South China Sea as its own amid competing claims by several countries in the region. On Wednesday, the US, Australia and the UK entered into a defence pact allowing Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines in a move to reportedly contain China. The Chinese embassy in Washington hit out saying the countries should "shake off their cold war mentality and ideological prejudice" amid escalating tensions between Australia and China in the Indo-Pacific region. (With inputs from Agencies)

US Navy, China's Global Times editor in Twitter row

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people all around the world. Some people are ready to go to lengths to be able to vacation once again, and a woman from Illinois took it to a whole another level.

A 24-year-old woman decided to submit a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate to be able to vacation in Hawaii. However, a spelling error landed her in court.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-the-west-nile-virus-the-infection-russia-has-warned-may-spread-409520" hreflang="en">What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread?</a>

Hawaii has imposed a 10-day quarantine rule for all incoming travellers to ensure the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic’s spread stays under control. To bypass the same and be able to spend more time outdoors, the Illinois woman uploaded a fake vaccination card to the state’s Safe Travels programme.

However, when she arrived in Honolulu, the officers suspected some mischief. The first thing they noticed was that the spelling mistake in the vaccine name. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">'Moderna'&nbsp;vaccine</a> was misspelled as 'Maderna'.

"Airport screeners found suspicious errors ... such as Moderna was spelled wrong and that her home was in Illinois but her shot was taken at Delaware," Wilson Lau, a special agent with the Hawaii attorney general's investigation division, wrote in an email to a Delaware official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/autovacc-thai-experts-develop-robotic-arm-to-save-every-drop-of-covid-vaccine-408259" hreflang="en">'AutoVacc': Thai experts develop robotic arm to save every drop of Covid vaccine</a>

Upon further investigation, Delaware officials confirmed that there were no government vaccination records for the woman by her name of her birth details.

In addition to this, she had also claimed on paper that she was staying at the Waikiki Holiday Inn but had failed to produce reservation number. The authorities at the inn confirmed that there was no reservation under her name.

She was then charged with misdemeanor counts for violating Hawaii’s emergency rules amid pandemic. She was kept in custody for some time and later released on a $2,000 bail. Her next court hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people all around the world. Some people are ready to go to lengths to be able to vacation once again, and a woman from Illinois took it to a whole another level.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people all around the world. Some people are ready to go to lengths to be able to vacation once again, and a woman from Illinois took it to a whole another level. A 24-year-old woman decided to submit a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate to be able to vacation in Hawaii. However, a spelling error landed her in court. Also read | What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread? Hawaii has imposed a 10-day quarantine rule for all incoming travellers to ensure the coronavirus pandemic’s spread stays under control. To bypass the same and be able to spend more time outdoors, the Illinois woman uploaded a fake vaccination card to the state’s Safe Travels programme. However, when she arrived in Honolulu, the officers suspected some mischief. The first thing they noticed was that the spelling mistake in the vaccine name. 'Moderna' vaccine was misspelled as 'Maderna'. "Airport screeners found suspicious errors ... such as Moderna was spelled wrong and that her home was in Illinois but her shot was taken at Delaware," Wilson Lau, a special agent with the Hawaii attorney general's investigation division, wrote in an email to a Delaware official. Also read | 'AutoVacc': Thai experts develop robotic arm to save every drop of Covid vaccine Upon further investigation, Delaware officials confirmed that there were no government vaccination records for the woman by her name of her birth details. In addition to this, she had also claimed on paper that she was staying at the Waikiki Holiday Inn but had failed to produce reservation number. The authorities at the inn confirmed that there was no reservation under her name. She was then charged with misdemeanor counts for violating Hawaii’s emergency rules amid pandemic. She was kept in custody for some time and later released on a $2,000 bail. Her next court hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.

'Maderna'? American woman caught after she uploads fake vaccine certificate with spelling error

A Boeing 737 cargo aircraft made an emergency landing on water in the early hours of July 2 (local time). The landing took place in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii.

"The pilots had reported engine trouble and were attempting to return to Honolulu when they were forced to land the aircraft in the water," the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.

There were two members of the crew and both of them were rescued by the US Coast Guard. The plane was operated by Rhodes express.

A spokesman for the Coast Guard, Petty Officer Third Class Matthew West, told CNN that a Coast Guard helicopter rescued one of the crew, while "a fire department helicopter rescued the other." A Coast Guard cutter was also dispatched to the scene.

Both crew members were taken to a Honolulu hospital for treatment, West said, adding he did not have additional information about their condition.

CNBC earlier reported that a Boeing 737 had come down in the water.

Shares of Boeing fell by 2 per cent after the news of emergency landing

Boeing's 737 MAX was cleared to fly by regulators late last year after a 20-month grounding following two accidents that killed hundreds of people.

(With agency inputs)

A Boeing 737 cargo aircraft made an emergency landing on water in the early hours of July 2 (local time). The landing took place in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii.

A Boeing 737 cargo aircraft made an emergency landing on water in the early hours of July 2 (local time). The landing took place in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii. "The pilots had reported engine trouble and were attempting to return to Honolulu when they were forced to land the aircraft in the water," the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement. There were two members of the crew and both of them were rescued by the US Coast Guard. The plane was operated by Rhodes express. A spokesman for the Coast Guard, Petty Officer Third Class Matthew West, told CNN that a Coast Guard helicopter rescued one of the crew, while "a fire department helicopter rescued the other." A Coast Guard cutter was also dispatched to the scene. Both crew members were taken to a Honolulu hospital for treatment, West said, adding he did not have additional information about their condition. CNBC earlier reported that a Boeing 737 had come down in the water. Shares of Boeing fell by 2 per cent after the news of emergency landing Boeing's 737 MAX was cleared to fly by regulators late last year after a 20-month grounding following two accidents that killed hundreds of people. (With agency inputs)

Boeing 737 cargo plane makes emergency landing on water off Hawaii

A group of athletes has rowed a boat from San Francisco to Hawaii in record time. The four-man crew was part of the Great Pacific Race, a rowing competition that pits two and four-person teams against one another in identical boats on a solitary journey across the open ocean.

Four-man team break world record, row from San Fran to Hawaii in 30 days

Russian military held joint exercises with its navy and Air Force in the Pacific.

The military used warships, submarines&nbsp;and supporting aviation, including Tu-142mz long-range anti-submarine aircraft as part of the exercise.

According to the Russian military, missile cruiser "Varyag", frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" were also on display during the drills.

Reports said US forces were on high alert after Russian destroyers and jets came within 35 miles of Hawaii.&nbsp;

Russia's defence ministry had said earlier that the drills had taken&nbsp;place some 300 miles off Hawaii as reports claimed the US military officials scrambled F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Sunday after Russian bombers were spotted, however, it did not enter the Air Defence Identification Zone.

“The Russian vessels are transiting west. As part of our normal daily operations, we continue to track all vessels in the Indo-Pacific area of operations through maritime patrol aircraft, surface ship, and joint capabilities,” US Indo-Pacific Command spokesman Captain Mike Kafka said.

Captain Kafka added that Russian ships had come within 20 to 30 nautical miles off Hawaii as a US carrier strike group was also moved closer to Hawaii.

However, the US informed that Russian vessels were transiting west and out of the Hawaii Operation Area. There were unconfirmed reports Russian forces had undertaken mock drills in sinking aircraft carrier which alarmed US officials.

The Russian defence ministry had said that it had “worked out the tasks of detecting, countering and delivering missile strikes against an aircraft carrier strike group of a mock enemy.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russian military held joint exercises with its navy and Air Force in the Pacific. The military used warships, submarines and supporting aviation, including Tu-142mz long-range anti-submarine aircraft as part of the exercise.

Russian military held joint exercises with its navy and Air Force in the Pacific. The military used warships, submarines and supporting aviation, including Tu-142mz long-range anti-submarine aircraft as part of the exercise. According to the Russian military, missile cruiser "Varyag", frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" were also on display during the drills. Reports said US forces were on high alert after Russian destroyers and jets came within 35 miles of Hawaii. Russia's defence ministry had said earlier that the drills had taken place some 300 miles off Hawaii as reports claimed the US military officials scrambled F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Sunday after Russian bombers were spotted, however, it did not enter the Air Defence Identification Zone. “The Russian vessels are transiting west. As part of our normal daily operations, we continue to track all vessels in the Indo-Pacific area of operations through maritime patrol aircraft, surface ship, and joint capabilities,” US Indo-Pacific Command spokesman Captain Mike Kafka said. Captain Kafka added that Russian ships had come within 20 to 30 nautical miles off Hawaii as a US carrier strike group was also moved closer to Hawaii. However, the US informed that Russian vessels were transiting west and out of the Hawaii Operation Area. There were unconfirmed reports Russian forces had undertaken mock drills in sinking aircraft carrier which alarmed US officials. The Russian defence ministry had said that it had “worked out the tasks of detecting, countering and delivering missile strikes against an aircraft carrier strike group of a mock enemy.” (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia conducts military drills in Pacific with warships, aircraft and submarines

Hawaii Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the US state after heavy rains brought floods, landslides and fear of dam failures, and authorities ordered the evacuation of several thousand people from communities threatened by rising waters.&nbsp;

The move came after a dam overflowed on the island of Maui, forcing evacuations and destroying homes, with the dam's 'unsatisfactory' condition leading to it being scheduled for removal this year, the land department has said.&nbsp;

"The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather," Ige said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Poor weather was expected to run until Friday, he added, and flood advisories stayed in place for a second day.&nbsp;

The emergency declaration covers the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Oahu and Kauai, the governor's office said in a statement, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8.&nbsp;

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management directed people to leave Haleiwa, a community of a few thousand people to the north of state capital Honolulu.&nbsp;

Hawaii News Now reported that two people were swept away in raging waters on Tuesday. One of them, a 27-year-old man, was rescued by authorities. A search for the other would resume on Wednesday, according to the report.&nbsp;

There were no other immediate reports of injuries or casualties.&nbsp;

In Maui, heavy rains damaged roads, leaving them impassable, with one bridge completely washed out and another displaced, the governor's office said.&nbsp;

State emergency management officials had said the rains led to the cresting of the Kaupakalua dam in the northern region of Haiku, prompting authorities to open evacuation shelters and urge people not to return home.&nbsp;

Six homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, said Maui mayor Michael Victorino.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hawaii Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the US state after heavy rains brought floods, landslides and fear of dam failures, and authorities ordered the evacuation of several thousand people from communities threatened by rising waters.

Hawaii Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the US state after heavy rains brought floods, landslides and fear of dam failures, and authorities ordered the evacuation of several thousand people from communities threatened by rising waters. The move came after a dam overflowed on the island of Maui, forcing evacuations and destroying homes, with the dam's 'unsatisfactory' condition leading to it being scheduled for removal this year, the land department has said. "The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather," Ige said on Tuesday. Poor weather was expected to run until Friday, he added, and flood advisories stayed in place for a second day. The emergency declaration covers the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Oahu and Kauai, the governor's office said in a statement, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8. The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management directed people to leave Haleiwa, a community of a few thousand people to the north of state capital Honolulu. Hawaii News Now reported that two people were swept away in raging waters on Tuesday. One of them, a 27-year-old man, was rescued by authorities. A search for the other would resume on Wednesday, according to the report. There were no other immediate reports of injuries or casualties. In Maui, heavy rains damaged roads, leaving them impassable, with one bridge completely washed out and another displaced, the governor's office said. State emergency management officials had said the rains led to the cresting of the Kaupakalua dam in the northern region of Haiku, prompting authorities to open evacuation shelters and urge people not to return home. Six homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, said Maui mayor Michael Victorino. (With inputs from agencies)

After heavy rains cause havoc, Hawaii declares emergency, orders evacuations 

As Nevada allowed the state to&nbsp;send mail-in ballots to every voter for the upcoming November Presidential elections, the US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue to the state.

Democratic lawmakers passed the bill on Sunday in the US state of Nevada. However, Trump feels this was "&nbsp;an illegal late night coup".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pathetic-us-president-trump-lashes-out-at-virus-coordinator-317921">Also read| 'Pathetic!': US President Trump lashes out at virus coordinator</a>

Trump&nbsp;has been opposing protesting against mail-in ballots since the idea was tossed open for discussion. The idea behind this was to allow people to vote without having for them to step out of the house amid the pandemic. Trump, however, feels that this will only bring in more corruption.

"In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court! <a href="https://t.co/cNSPINgCY7">https://t.co/cNSPINgCY7</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1290250416278532096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After, or if, the Nevada state Governor Steve Sisolak signs the bill, the state of Nevada will become third state to opt for mail-in ballots this year after California and Vermont decided to prioritise their citizens' health.&nbsp;Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington have been following mail-in ballot since few years now, making Nevada the seventh state in total.

Trump on Monday said he has the right to issue an executive order on mail-in voting but he has't gotten to it yet.

Nevada mailed ballots to voters ahead of its primary election in June and encouraged residents not to risk in-person voting.

Nevada Governor and Trump's administration have not issued a comment on Trump's threat to sue, as of now.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Nevada allowed the state to send mail-in ballots to every voter for the upcoming November Presidential elections, the US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue to the state.

As Nevada allowed the state to send mail-in ballots to every voter for the upcoming November Presidential elections, the US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue to the state. Democratic lawmakers passed the bill on Sunday in the US state of Nevada. However, Trump feels this was " an illegal late night coup". Also read| 'Pathetic!': US President Trump lashes out at virus coordinator Trump has been opposing protesting against mail-in ballots since the idea was tossed open for discussion. The idea behind this was to allow people to vote without having for them to step out of the house amid the pandemic. Trump, however, feels that this will only bring in more corruption. "In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!," he tweeted. In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court! https://t.co/cNSPINgCY7 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2020 × After, or if, the Nevada state Governor Steve Sisolak signs the bill, the state of Nevada will become third state to opt for mail-in ballots this year after California and Vermont decided to prioritise their citizens' health. Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington have been following mail-in ballot since few years now, making Nevada the seventh state in total. Trump on Monday said he has the right to issue an executive order on mail-in voting but he has't gotten to it yet. Nevada mailed ballots to voters ahead of its primary election in June and encouraged residents not to risk in-person voting. Nevada Governor and Trump's administration have not issued a comment on Trump's threat to sue, as of now. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots

Hurricane Douglas, the strongest storm on Earth, is approaching Hawaii but is forecast to weaken before it reaches the island chain this weekend.

Douglas currently is 725 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving west-northwest directly toward the island chain. The storm peaked as a Category 4 storm on Friday, but began to weaken as the day progressed.

Douglas could be the first hurricane to hit the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic, complicating security plans for officials in the state.

According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, steady weakening is expected to continue for the next two days as the storm approaches Hawaii.

Douglas is currently a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph that extend 25 miles from the center of the storm. When it reaches the island chain on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, it will likely be a Category 1 hurricane or strong tropical storm, forecasters said.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii and for Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe,.

Tropical storm-force winds are forecast to arrive on the island of Hawaii as early as Saturday evening local time.

Hurricane Douglas, the strongest storm on Earth, is approaching Hawaii but is forecast to weaken before it reaches the island chain this weekend. Douglas currently is 725 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving west-northwest directly toward the island chain.

Hurricane Douglas, the strongest storm on Earth, is approaching Hawaii but is forecast to weaken before it reaches the island chain this weekend. Douglas currently is 725 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving west-northwest directly toward the island chain. The storm peaked as a Category 4 storm on Friday, but began to weaken as the day progressed. Douglas could be the first hurricane to hit the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic, complicating security plans for officials in the state. According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, steady weakening is expected to continue for the next two days as the storm approaches Hawaii. Douglas is currently a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph that extend 25 miles from the center of the storm. When it reaches the island chain on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, it will likely be a Category 1 hurricane or strong tropical storm, forecasters said. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii and for Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe,. Tropical storm-force winds are forecast to arrive on the island of Hawaii as early as Saturday evening local time.

Strongest storm on Earth expected to weaken as it approaches Hawaii

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to travel to Hawaii to meet with Chinese government officials, Politico reported on Friday, citing two unnamed sources.

Pompeo, who has been vocal in his criticism of China on a range of issues from the origins of the coronavirus pandemic to its Hong Kong policy to the treatment of its ethnic and religious minorities, was planning the trip "quietly" and the arrangements were not finalized, Politico said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-china-of-stealing-american-research-on-covid-19-298763">Also read:&nbsp;Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19</a>

Relations between the world's two biggest economies have deteriorated in recent months, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said he could even sever relations.

Pompeo said last month that China could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world by being more transparent about the coronavirus and accused it of refusing to share information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-criticises-hsbc-for-corporate-kowtow-to-beijing-304822">Also read:&nbsp;Mike Pompeo criticises HSBC for 'corporate kowtow' to Beijing</a>

He said last month Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong would be the "death knell" for the former British colony's autonomy.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to travel to Hawaii to meet with Chinese government officials, Politico reported on Friday, citing two unnamed sources.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to travel to Hawaii to meet with Chinese government officials, Politico reported on Friday, citing two unnamed sources. Pompeo, who has been vocal in his criticism of China on a range of issues from the origins of the coronavirus pandemic to its Hong Kong policy to the treatment of its ethnic and religious minorities, was planning the trip "quietly" and the arrangements were not finalized, Politico said. Also read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19 Relations between the world's two biggest economies have deteriorated in recent months, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said he could even sever relations. Pompeo said last month that China could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world by being more transparent about the coronavirus and accused it of refusing to share information. Also read: Mike Pompeo criticises HSBC for 'corporate kowtow' to Beijing He said last month Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong would be the "death knell" for the former British colony's autonomy.

Mike Pompeo plans to meet Chinese officials in Hawaii: Report

February 14 in History: From Pulwama terror attacks to creation of YouTube

January 18 in history: WW-1 peace conference, recognition of Vietnam, and a lot more!

Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Reed headed to a playoff after finishing tied at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/woodland-maintains-lead-mcilroy-in-pursuit-in-hawaii-188493">Tournament of Champions</a> in Hawaii on Sunday.

Thomas had one hand on the trophy with a one-shot lead at the par-five 18th but hooked his three-wood second shot into a penalty area and could not find his ball in the waist-high tropical grass.

He ran up a bogey for a four-under-par 69, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-tiger-woods-to-sit-out-saturday-fourballs-at-presidents-cup-268043">Schauffele</a> reached the green in two shots, only to three-putt for par and a round of 70 when a birdie would have won it at the Kapalua Plantation course on the island of Maui.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/presidents-cup-internationals-stun-us-to-lead-presidents-cup-4-1-267935">Reed</a> was already in the clubhouse after a round of 66 when he suddenly found himself heading to the playoff with his two fellow Americans at 14-under-par 278.

Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Reed headed to a playoff after finishing tied at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Sunday. Thomas had one hand on the trophy with a one-shot lead at the par-five 18th but hooked his three-wood second shot into a penalty area and could not find his ball in the waist-high tropical grass.

Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Reed headed to a playoff after finishing tied at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Sunday. Thomas had one hand on the trophy with a one-shot lead at the par-five 18th but hooked his three-wood second shot into a penalty area and could not find his ball in the waist-high tropical grass. He ran up a bogey for a four-under-par 69, while Schauffele reached the green in two shots, only to three-putt for par and a round of 70 when a birdie would have won it at the Kapalua Plantation course on the island of Maui. Reed was already in the clubhouse after a round of 66 when he suddenly found himself heading to the playoff with his two fellow Americans at 14-under-par 278.

Golf: Thomas, Schauffele, Reed in playoff at Tournament of Champions

Teams combing the wreckage of a Hawaii sightseeing helicopter that crashed on Kauai island found no sign of survivors on Friday and recovered six sets of human remains before suspending the search due to bad weather. #Hawaii #HawaiiHelicopterCrash #KauaiIsland

Remains of 6 found after crash of a Hawaii helicopter

The remains of six people were found at the crash site who aboard a tour helicopter that went missing in Hawaii, officials said on Friday.&nbsp;

The sightseeing helicopter which had seven passengers crashed in a remote area when it was nearing the end of an air tour of the island's famed Na Pali Coast.

Watch the video here:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remains-of-6-found-after-crash-of-a-hawaii-helicopter-270714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The remains of six individuals were recovered Friday afternoon at the site of the helicopter wreckage in Kokee near Nualolo," the county of Kauai said in a statement.

The victims' identities are being kept confidential until next of kin could be notified.&nbsp;

The statement added that the recovery mission was suspended on Friday due to bad weather and would resume on Saturday morning.&nbsp;

"We are heartbroken by this tragedy and we continue to ask the public to consider the sensitive nature of this devastating situation," said Kauai's mayor, Derek Kawakami.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all victims," he said.

The reason for the crash was still to be determined. However, Kauai County fire battalion chief Solomon Kanoho said that the area where the helicopter went down witnessed "some very bad weather" beforehand.&nbsp;

Earlier, it was confirmed that the aircraft from Safari Helicopters was missing at around 6:00 pm on Thursday (0400 GMT Friday).

After the confirmation, the Coast Guard, local police and fire departments and other agencies launched a search to find the helicopter.

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

The remains of six people were found at the crash site who aboard a tour helicopter that went missing in Hawaii, officials said on Friday. The sightseeing helicopter which had seven passengers crashed in a remote area when it was nearing the end of an air tour of the island's famed Na Pali Coast.

The remains of six people were found at the crash site who aboard a tour helicopter that went missing in Hawaii, officials said on Friday. The sightseeing helicopter which had seven passengers crashed in a remote area when it was nearing the end of an air tour of the island's famed Na Pali Coast. Watch the video here: "The remains of six individuals were recovered Friday afternoon at the site of the helicopter wreckage in Kokee near Nualolo," the county of Kauai said in a statement. The victims' identities are being kept confidential until next of kin could be notified. The statement added that the recovery mission was suspended on Friday due to bad weather and would resume on Saturday morning. "We are heartbroken by this tragedy and we continue to ask the public to consider the sensitive nature of this devastating situation," said Kauai's mayor, Derek Kawakami. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all victims," he said. The reason for the crash was still to be determined. However, Kauai County fire battalion chief Solomon Kanoho said that the area where the helicopter went down witnessed "some very bad weather" beforehand. Earlier, it was confirmed that the aircraft from Safari Helicopters was missing at around 6:00 pm on Thursday (0400 GMT Friday). After the confirmation, the Coast Guard, local police and fire departments and other agencies launched a search to find the helicopter. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Hawaii helicopter crash: Remains of six people found

Ring of fire: Australian state declares emergency as wildfires approach Sydney

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-injured-in-shooting-at-hawaiis-pearl-harbour-base-266276">A US sailor fatally shot two people</a> and wounded a third at the Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in Hawaii on Wednesday before committing suicide, an official said.

The two people killed were Department of Defence civilian employees, while a third civilian was wounded but "in stable condition at (an) area hospital," the official said.

A spokeswoman for the Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam confirmed that a shooting had taken place but declined to give any further details.

"The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm. Due to the ongoing security incident, access/gates to #JBPHH are closed," the base said on Twitter.

NBC affiliate Hawaii News Now, citing a base spokesman, said at least three people had been wounded in the attack, which took place at Drydock 2 of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

An unnamed witness told Hawaii News Now in an on-air interview that he had seen the gunman put a gun to his head and shoot himself. The gunman was wearing a US&nbsp;Navy uniform, the witness told the station.

Watch: United States' bloody history of mass shootings

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-bloody-history-of-mass-shootings-240651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hawaii News Now earlier reported that two of the victims were in grave condition at local hospitals.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a combined US&nbsp;Air Force and Navy Installation located 13 km&nbsp;from Honolulu.

The base was put on lockdown for about two hours after the shooting.

The incident comes three days before the anniversary of the December&nbsp;7, 1941 attack on the naval base that led the United States to enter World War Two by declaring war on Japan.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US sailor fatally shot two people and wounded a third at the Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in Hawaii on Wednesday before committing suicide, an official said. The two people killed were Department of Defence civilian employees, while a third civilian was wounded but "in stable condition at (an) area hospital," the official said.

A US sailor fatally shot two people and wounded a third at the Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in Hawaii on Wednesday before committing suicide, an official said. The two people killed were Department of Defence civilian employees, while a third civilian was wounded but "in stable condition at (an) area hospital," the official said. A spokeswoman for the Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam confirmed that a shooting had taken place but declined to give any further details. "The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm. Due to the ongoing security incident, access/gates to #JBPHH are closed," the base said on Twitter. NBC affiliate Hawaii News Now, citing a base spokesman, said at least three people had been wounded in the attack, which took place at Drydock 2 of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. An unnamed witness told Hawaii News Now in an on-air interview that he had seen the gunman put a gun to his head and shoot himself. The gunman was wearing a US Navy uniform, the witness told the station. Watch: United States' bloody history of mass shootings Hawaii News Now earlier reported that two of the victims were in grave condition at local hospitals. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a combined US Air Force and Navy Installation located 13 km from Honolulu. The base was put on lockdown for about two hours after the shooting. The incident comes three days before the anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack on the naval base that led the United States to enter World War Two by declaring war on Japan. (With inputs from agencies)

Hawaii: Two killed, one injured in Pearl Harbour shooting

A US Navy sailor opened fire at the historic military base at Pearl Harbor, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hawaii-governor-declares-emergency-for-maui-wildfires-235492">Hawaii</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, base officials said, with local media reporting that at least three people were wounded, two of them critically, before the suspect took his own life.

A spokeswoman for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam confirmed that a shooting had taken place but declined to give any further details.

"The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm. Due to the ongoing security incident, access/gates to #JBPHH are closed," the base said on Twitter, adding that officials would provide further information when it became available.

NBC affiliate Hawaii News Now, citing a base spokesman, said at least three people had been wounded in the attack, which took place at Drydock 2 of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

An unnamed witness told Hawaii News Now in an on-air interview that he had seen the gunman put a gun to his head and shoot himself. The gunman was wearing a US&nbsp;Navy uniform, the witness told the station.

Watch: United States' bloody history of mass shootings

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-bloody-history-of-mass-shootings-240651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hawaii News Now reported that two of the victims were in grave condition at local hospitals.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a combined US&nbsp;Air Force and Navy Installation located 13 km&nbsp;from Honolulu.

The base was put on lockdown for about two hours after the shooting.

The incident comes three days before the anniversary of the December&nbsp;7, 1941 attack on the naval base that led the United States to enter World War Two by declaring war on Japan.

A US Navy sailor opened fire at the historic military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Wednesday, base officials said, with local media reporting that at least three people were wounded, two of them critically, before the suspect took his own life.

A US Navy sailor opened fire at the historic military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Wednesday, base officials said, with local media reporting that at least three people were wounded, two of them critically, before the suspect took his own life. A spokeswoman for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam confirmed that a shooting had taken place but declined to give any further details. "The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm. Due to the ongoing security incident, access/gates to #JBPHH are closed," the base said on Twitter, adding that officials would provide further information when it became available. NBC affiliate Hawaii News Now, citing a base spokesman, said at least three people had been wounded in the attack, which took place at Drydock 2 of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. An unnamed witness told Hawaii News Now in an on-air interview that he had seen the gunman put a gun to his head and shoot himself. The gunman was wearing a US Navy uniform, the witness told the station. Watch: United States' bloody history of mass shootings Hawaii News Now reported that two of the victims were in grave condition at local hospitals. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a combined US Air Force and Navy Installation located 13 km from Honolulu. The base was put on lockdown for about two hours after the shooting. The incident comes three days before the anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack on the naval base that led the United States to enter World War Two by declaring war on Japan.

US Navy sailor injures three at Hawaii's Pearl Harbour base, kills self

Science versus Faith in Hawaii. A giant telescope has been sanctioned to be constructed on top of a dormant volcano in the island. But the locals are protesting against this telescope. What's their problem with the telescope? Find out in this report.

Gravitas: Hawaii rocked by 'telescope protests'

Native Hawaiians and their supporters are protesting the construction of a giant telescope on the state's tallest mountain, a site that some consider sacred. Protestors are continuing their long-running effort to stop construction of the 1.4 billion US dollars telescope. They have blocked a road for 11 days ( as of 26 July) to prevent construction crews from starting their work. Watch this video to know more.

Mauna Kea protests: 30 metre telescope on Hawaiian island

Hundreds of demonstrators are gathered at the base of Hawaii's tallest mountain to protest the construction of a giant telescope on land that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred.

Culture vs Science tussle in Hawaii

Climate Change Will Bring A New Disaster Every Week: United Nations A disaster every week seems to be the new norm as extreme weather wreaks havoc across the world. Palki sums up the latest on Hurricane Barry in Louisiana, fire in Hawaii and storm in Greece.

Gravitas: Extreme weather: The new norm

Hawaii's governor on Friday declared an emergency on the island of Maui, where firefighters were battling a blaze that forced the evacuations of thousands of people and sent huge clouds of smoke billowing over nearby beaches.

Although most of the evacuees were later allowed to return home, the blaze more than tripled in size to spread over about 9,000 acres (3,642 hectares), scorching mostly former sugarcane fields and brush.

"I am declaring our Valley Isle a disaster area for the purpose of implementing the emergency management functions as allowed by law," Governor David Ige said in a statement.

The fire in Maui, sometimes called the Valley Isle, had been 60 per cent contained by sunset but officials warned that even though the shelters were shut, they might need to reopen if more evacuations were ordered.

Authorities had also managed to contain about 35 per cent of a second, smaller fire across roughly 200 acres (81 hectares), that had broken out north of the first near Kahului, forcing some voluntary evacuations.

The major blaze began in the island's central valley on Thursday, with its flames stoked by steady winds of up to 20 miles per hour (30 kph), officials said.

Thousands of residents and visitors in the communities of Maalaea and Kihei fled as a precaution, while firefighters struggling to quell the blaze drafted in helicopters to drop water on the flames.

There were no reports of injuries or damage to buildings, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser said. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

On Twitter, the governor thanked media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns a property on Maui, after she opened a private road on Thursday to assist officials tackling the fire.

Hawaii's governor on Friday declared an emergency on the island of Maui, where firefighters were battling a blaze that forced the evacuations of thousands of people and sent huge clouds of smoke billowing over nearby beaches.

Hawaii's governor on Friday declared an emergency on the island of Maui, where firefighters were battling a blaze that forced the evacuations of thousands of people and sent huge clouds of smoke billowing over nearby beaches. Although most of the evacuees were later allowed to return home, the blaze more than tripled in size to spread over about 9,000 acres (3,642 hectares), scorching mostly former sugarcane fields and brush. "I am declaring our Valley Isle a disaster area for the purpose of implementing the emergency management functions as allowed by law," Governor David Ige said in a statement. The fire in Maui, sometimes called the Valley Isle, had been 60 per cent contained by sunset but officials warned that even though the shelters were shut, they might need to reopen if more evacuations were ordered. Authorities had also managed to contain about 35 per cent of a second, smaller fire across roughly 200 acres (81 hectares), that had broken out north of the first near Kahului, forcing some voluntary evacuations. The major blaze began in the island's central valley on Thursday, with its flames stoked by steady winds of up to 20 miles per hour (30 kph), officials said. Thousands of residents and visitors in the communities of Maalaea and Kihei fled as a precaution, while firefighters struggling to quell the blaze drafted in helicopters to drop water on the flames. There were no reports of injuries or damage to buildings, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser said. The cause of the fire is being investigated. On Twitter, the governor thanked media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns a property on Maui, after she opened a private road on Thursday to assist officials tackling the fire.

Hawaii governor declares emergency for Maui wildfires

Rescuers in&nbsp;Hawaii&nbsp;have&nbsp;found&nbsp;a&nbsp;yoga&nbsp;instructor who went missing for&nbsp;17&nbsp;days&nbsp;while hiking in a&nbsp;forest&nbsp;reserve and survived by drinking from streams and eating plants.

Amanda Eller, 35, went hiking in Maui's Makawao&nbsp;Forest&nbsp;Reserve on May 8 but became&nbsp;lost&nbsp;when she walked deeper in the reserve, which covers more than 2,000 acres, instead of heading back to her car as she believed.

Rescuers in a helicopter hired by her family spotted Eller on Friday&nbsp;afternoon in a ravine by a waterfall, miles from her vehicle.

"Sure enough, God willing, she was right there," Javier Canetellops, a search coordinator who was in the helicopter, told reporters. "Unbelievable."

Eller, who also works as a physical therapist, was malnourished, shoe-less, and had a broken leg and torn meniscus in her knee, as well as sunburn and scrapes. She was airlifted to a hospital and expected to make a full recovery.

Friends had launched a "Find Amanda" campaign on Facebook, and just an hour before she was rescued they offered a $50,000 reward for information. Volunteers spent&nbsp;days&nbsp;scouring the thick&nbsp;forest&nbsp;around the trailhead where she parked.

"Elated. Excited. Ecstatic," Eller's mother, Julia, told NBC News affiliate KHNL in Honolulu. "I can't even put it into words I'm so incredibly grateful."

Rescuers in Hawaii have found a yoga instructor who went missing for 17 days while hiking in a forest reserve and survived by drinking from streams and eating plants.

Rescuers in Hawaii have found a yoga instructor who went missing for 17 days while hiking in a forest reserve and survived by drinking from streams and eating plants. Amanda Eller, 35, went hiking in Maui's Makawao Forest Reserve on May 8 but became lost when she walked deeper in the reserve, which covers more than 2,000 acres, instead of heading back to her car as she believed. Rescuers in a helicopter hired by her family spotted Eller on Friday afternoon in a ravine by a waterfall, miles from her vehicle. "Sure enough, God willing, she was right there," Javier Canetellops, a search coordinator who was in the helicopter, told reporters. "Unbelievable." Eller, who also works as a physical therapist, was malnourished, shoe-less, and had a broken leg and torn meniscus in her knee, as well as sunburn and scrapes. She was airlifted to a hospital and expected to make a full recovery. Friends had launched a "Find Amanda" campaign on Facebook, and just an hour before she was rescued they offered a $50,000 reward for information. Volunteers spent days scouring the thick forest around the trailhead where she parked. "Elated. Excited. Ecstatic," Eller's mother, Julia, told NBC News affiliate KHNL in Honolulu. "I can't even put it into words I'm so incredibly grateful."

Yoga teacher found alive in Hawaii forest after lost for 17 days

Approximately 600 homes have been swallowed by lava flows from Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island since early last month, marking its most destructive eruption in modern times, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said&nbsp;on Thursday.

The latest estimate of property losses from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, far surpasses the 215 structures consumed by lava during an earlier eruption cycle that began in 1983 and continued nearly nonstop over three decades.

Kim said Kilauea, one of five volcanoes on the Big Island, formally known as the Island of Hawaii, has never destroyed so many homes before in such a short period of time.

The latest volcanic eruption, which entered its 36th day&nbsp;on Thursday, stands as the most destructive in the United States since at least the cataclysmic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state that reduced hundreds of square miles to wasteland, according to geologist Scott Rowland, a volcano specialist from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

A similar, extremely violent eruption from Fuego volcano in Guatemala this week killed more than 100 people as it ejected deadly super-heated "pyroclastic" flows of lava and ash through nearby towns.

The latest damage appraisal from Kilauea came moments after Governor David Ige, on a visit to Hawaii County Civil Defense headquarters in Hilo, the island's biggest city, signed a memorandum of understanding furnishing $12 million in immediate state disaster relief to the island.

Ige and Kim also announced the formation of a task force of federal, state and local officials to devise a recovery plan for communities devastated by the eruption, with an eye toward preventing such major property losses in the future.

"Our responsibility is to try to work with the community to rebuild out of harm's way," Kim said.

County civil defense officials had a day earlier put the confirmed number of homes destroyed during the past month at 130, all of them in and around the Leilani Estates community, where lava-spouting fissures opened up on the volcano's eastern flank on May 3.

More recently a huge river of lava that has crept several miles across the landscape to the eastern tip of the island engulfed two entire seaside housing subdivisions - Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland.

Over the course of about three days, a rolling wall of molten rock measuring half-mile across and 10- to 15-feet tall buried hundreds of homes, while vaporizing a small freshwater lake and filling in an inlet called Kapoho Bay, extending about a mile out from what had been the shoreline.

Kim said Vacationland, a private development believed to comprise roughly 160 homes, was completely erased, and that at least 330 houses were devoured by lava at Kapoho Beach Lots. The rest were

The rest of the losses have occurred in the Leilani Estates area, where the toll of destruction has been steadily rising by the day.

"So if you combine the three of them (Kapoho, Vacationland and Leilani), we're talking about 600 homes," he told reporters. "I'm talking about 600 families. Don't forget the farmers, don't forget the ranchers, don't forget all the employees for them."

An estimated 2,500 people have been displaced by evacuations across the island since the eruption began five weeks ago, spouting fountains of lava and high concentrations of toxic sulfur dioxide gas through about two dozen volcanic fissures at the foot of the volcano.

Plumes of volcanic ash belched into the air by periodic daily explosions from the crater at Kilauea's summit have posed an additional nuisance and health hazard to nearby communities.

So too have airborne volcanic glass fibers, called "Pele's Hair," wispy strands carried aloft by the wind from lava fountains and named for the volcanic goddess of Hawaiian myth.

Seaside residents and boaters also have been warned to avoid noxious clouds of laze - a term derived from the words "lava" and "haze" - formed when lava reacts with seawater to form a mix of acid fumes, steam and glass-like particles when it flows into the ocean.

Frequent earthquakes, mostly of relatively small magnitude but numbering in the thousands, have persisted throughout the eruption, adding to the jitters of residents living closest to the volcano.

In addition to destroying homes and other structures, lava flows have knocked out telephone and power lines, causing widespread communication outages, and forced the shutdown of a geothermal energy plant that normally provides about a quarter of the island's electricity.

Kim said Kilauea, one of five volcanoes on the Big Island, formally known as the Island of Hawaii, has never destroyed so many homes before in such a short period of time

Approximately 600 homes have been swallowed by lava flows from Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island since early last month, marking its most destructive eruption in modern times, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said on Thursday. The latest estimate of property losses from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, far surpasses the 215 structures consumed by lava during an earlier eruption cycle that began in 1983 and continued nearly nonstop over three decades. Kim said Kilauea, one of five volcanoes on the Big Island, formally known as the Island of Hawaii, has never destroyed so many homes before in such a short period of time. The latest volcanic eruption, which entered its 36th day on Thursday, stands as the most destructive in the United States since at least the cataclysmic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state that reduced hundreds of square miles to wasteland, according to geologist Scott Rowland, a volcano specialist from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. A similar, extremely violent eruption from Fuego volcano in Guatemala this week killed more than 100 people as it ejected deadly super-heated "pyroclastic" flows of lava and ash through nearby towns. The latest damage appraisal from Kilauea came moments after Governor David Ige, on a visit to Hawaii County Civil Defense headquarters in Hilo, the island's biggest city, signed a memorandum of understanding furnishing $12 million in immediate state disaster relief to the island. Ige and Kim also announced the formation of a task force of federal, state and local officials to devise a recovery plan for communities devastated by the eruption, with an eye toward preventing such major property losses in the future. "Our responsibility is to try to work with the community to rebuild out of harm's way," Kim said. County civil defense officials had a day earlier put the confirmed number of homes destroyed during the past month at 130, all of them in and around the Leilani Estates community, where lava-spouting fissures opened up on the volcano's eastern flank on May 3. More recently a huge river of lava that has crept several miles across the landscape to the eastern tip of the island engulfed two entire seaside housing subdivisions - Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland. Over the course of about three days, a rolling wall of molten rock measuring half-mile across and 10- to 15-feet tall buried hundreds of homes, while vaporizing a small freshwater lake and filling in an inlet called Kapoho Bay, extending about a mile out from what had been the shoreline. Kim said Vacationland, a private development believed to comprise roughly 160 homes, was completely erased, and that at least 330 houses were devoured by lava at Kapoho Beach Lots. The rest were The rest of the losses have occurred in the Leilani Estates area, where the toll of destruction has been steadily rising by the day. "So if you combine the three of them (Kapoho, Vacationland and Leilani), we're talking about 600 homes," he told reporters. "I'm talking about 600 families. Don't forget the farmers, don't forget the ranchers, don't forget all the employees for them." An estimated 2,500 people have been displaced by evacuations across the island since the eruption began five weeks ago, spouting fountains of lava and high concentrations of toxic sulfur dioxide gas through about two dozen volcanic fissures at the foot of the volcano. Plumes of volcanic ash belched into the air by periodic daily explosions from the crater at Kilauea's summit have posed an additional nuisance and health hazard to nearby communities. So too have airborne volcanic glass fibers, called "Pele's Hair," wispy strands carried aloft by the wind from lava fountains and named for the volcanic goddess of Hawaiian myth. Seaside residents and boaters also have been warned to avoid noxious clouds of laze - a term derived from the words "lava" and "haze" - formed when lava reacts with seawater to form a mix of acid fumes, steam and glass-like particles when it flows into the ocean. Frequent earthquakes, mostly of relatively small magnitude but numbering in the thousands, have persisted throughout the eruption, adding to the jitters of residents living closest to the volcano. In addition to destroying homes and other structures, lava flows have knocked out telephone and power lines, causing widespread communication outages, and forced the shutdown of a geothermal energy plant that normally provides about a quarter of the island's electricity.

Rivers of lava destroyed 600 homes in Hawaii's Big Island: Mayor

Authorities urged people in Hawaii&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;to evacuate an area at risk of being cut off by a flood of lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano.

"Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that lava from several fissures continues to advance toward the Kapoho area," a Civil Defense message said, referencing an area that was devastated during a 1960 eruption.

"Residents of Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are advised to evacuate. You are at risk of being isolated due to possible lava inundation," the message added.

Authorities had earlier advised that lava flow from Fissure 8 had blocked a major highway and caused an electricity blackout, and recommended evacuations of other nearby areas as telephone communications were cut.

Meanwhile, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter at Kilauea itself was recorded&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;at&nbsp;11:00 am&nbsp;(0000 GMT).

Although it was felt strongly in the area, authorities dismissed the possibility of a tsunami.

Local authorities could not confirm to AFP how many people would be evacuated. Around 2,000 residents have already abandoned their homes as a result of the eruption, which has destroyed 71 houses so far.

The lava has engulfed an area of approximately 9.5 square kilometers, with the majority ending up in the ocean, creating so-called "laze" -- acid fumes created when lava meets water.

Kilauea is one of five volcanoes on Hawaii's Big Island.

Scientists believe that volcanic activity can be a precursor to a major eruption, similar to the Kilauea eruption in the mid-1920s.

Authorities had earlier advised that lava flow from Fissure 8 had blocked a major highway and caused an electricity blackout, and recommended evacuations of other nearby areas as telephone communications were cut

Authorities urged people in Hawaii Wednesday to evacuate an area at risk of being cut off by a flood of lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano. "Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that lava from several fissures continues to advance toward the Kapoho area," a Civil Defense message said, referencing an area that was devastated during a 1960 eruption. "Residents of Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are advised to evacuate. You are at risk of being isolated due to possible lava inundation," the message added. Authorities had earlier advised that lava flow from Fissure 8 had blocked a major highway and caused an electricity blackout, and recommended evacuations of other nearby areas as telephone communications were cut. Meanwhile, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter at Kilauea itself was recorded on Wednesday at 11:00 am (0000 GMT). Although it was felt strongly in the area, authorities dismissed the possibility of a tsunami. Local authorities could not confirm to AFP how many people would be evacuated. Around 2,000 residents have already abandoned their homes as a result of the eruption, which has destroyed 71 houses so far. The lava has engulfed an area of approximately 9.5 square kilometers, with the majority ending up in the ocean, creating so-called "laze" -- acid fumes created when lava meets water. Kilauea is one of five volcanoes on Hawaii's Big Island. Scientists believe that volcanic activity can be a precursor to a major eruption, similar to the Kilauea eruption in the mid-1920s.

Evacuations urged in Hawaii as lava flow advances

hawaii

Hawaii, News on Hawaii, stories on Hawaii, articles on Hawaii, Hawaii stories at Wion, Hawaii news, Hawaii latest news