Kilauea’s Sizzling Surprise
Picture your morning coffee being shaken by volcanic fireworks—that’s what the Hawaiian volcano Kilauea is doing right now. On May 16, the stormy heart of the Big Island fired off ballistic blocks the size of microwave ovens, a sign that the volcano might be gearing up for some serious eruptions.
Ballistic Blocks and Boulders
These little pieces of earth, up to 60 cm long, were spotted just a few hundred meters from the crater, Halemaumau, in the parking lot. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says they indicate the most energetic explosions yet recorded. But if the volcano ramps up, we could see:
- A 6,100‑meter ash plume shooting into the sky.
<li Boulders the size of small cars flinging up to 800 meters.
<li Rocks thrown over 19 km across the island.
And if this ash reaches the stratosphere, we’re talking about a potential volcanic smog blanket that could extend beyond Hawaii, affecting air travel and the weather down the line.
Ash Forecast and Aviation Alert
Because of these explosive events, the FAA issued a red alert on Thursday, warning pilots of ash that might drift into critical air routes. The FAA spokesperson confirmed that Hawaiian flights experienced no disruptions on Wednesday, but airlines are staying on high alert.
National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Foster warned that the Big Island could see a lot of “vog” (volcanic smog) today, possibly spreading to Maui as well.
Earthquake and Tsunami Worries
A 4.2‑magnitude earthquake shook the volcano at 8:36 am. Though the tremor sparked an alert, officials reassured residents that there was no risk of a tsunami from the volcanic activity.
Stormy Soil and Stressful Straps
While the volcano rages on, Hawaii faces a different set of challenges. 37 homes and buildings have been destroyed by lava and gas, forcing the evacuation of about 2,000 residents in the southeast Puna district. Lava has burst through 21 cracked fissures, jeopardizing two major highways that serve the coast.
Interestingly, one lava flow managed to stay roughly 1.6 km away from Highway 137, providing a small win for commuters and hikers.
No Casualties Yet, But the Heat Is Getting Ten
Thankfully, there have been no serious injuries or deaths so far, but the scientific community is urging caution. The USGS emphasizes that additional, potentially more powerful explosions are expected.
So, grab your coffee, stay inside, and let the volcano do its show—but don’t forget to keep a spare set of groceries just in case the ash gets a little heavier than anticipated.
