Los Angeles, US

Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, has erupted for the first time in nearly 40 years. The US revealed on Monday that the volcano in Hawaii is spewing lava and hot ash, with authorities on high alert. 

Advertisment

The US Geological Service (USGS) said that the lava is contained within the summit and does not threaten Hawaiians who are living downslope, for now. Although, the residents have been warned that volcanic gases and fine ash may drift their way. 

The USGS said on its website: "The eruption of Mauna Loa has migrated from the summit to the Northeast Rift Zone where fissures are feeding several lava flows." 

ALSO READ | World's most active volcano Mauna Loa erupts in Hawaii, USGS issues damning updates 

Advertisment

Concerns have been raised since the night sky above Hawaii's largest island glowed bright red when the volcano burst into life for the first time since 1984. 

It ended its longest quiet period as hot lava sprang out from the volcano's top at around 11:30pm (local time) on Sunday. 

The US-based agency also said: "Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa rift zone eruption can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly." 

Advertisment

×

×

×

ALSO READ | Beijing poses 'systemic challenge' to UK and Britain's 'golden era' with China is over: Rishi Sunak 

Initially, the eruption was reportedly contained within the caldera, which is the concave area at the top of the volcano. However, recent updates show and the vulcanologists also said Monday that lava was now escaping from cracks in its side. 

So far, the Hawaiian authorities have not issued any evacuation orders. But two shelters have been opened as part of the precautionary measures. 

As quoted by The Weather Channel, one resident described how the eruption looked like. Shantell Walker Otare said," There's an energy in the air that's very, not scary, just powerful. You feel life." 

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.