Volcanic Smog Threatens Hawaii as Kilauea Erupts Again [Video]

What’s New

One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, began erupting Monday at approximately 2 a.m. HST on Hawaii’s Big Island, prompting health warnings as volcanic smog threatened downwind communities.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) elevated its volcano alert level from “Advisory” to “Warning” and aviation color code from yellow to red.

By 2:30 a.m., webcam imagery captured lava fountains emerging through fissures in Halemaʻumaʻu within Kaluapele (the summit caldera).

Newsweek has contacted the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park via online form on Monday afternoon for comment.

Why It Matters

Kilauea stands as one of Earth’s most consistently active volcanoes, with regular eruptions documented since 1983.

This event marks its latest eruption, following previous volcanic activity in June and September 2024. While currently confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s restricted area, the eruption raises significant health concerns through volcanic gas emissions.

A 2018 eruption demonstrated Kilauea’s destructive potential when it destroyed more than 700 homes in the Puna …