News JVTech 38 years later, another natural disaster unfolds in Hawaii
Published on 01/12/2022 at 06:40
The American island of Hawaii is currently experiencing a situation that is both perilous and breathtaking: the largest active volcano in the world has just erupted there. The population present in the area is ready to evacuate if necessary but, for the time being, the homes are not in danger.
The eruption of a volcano is always a breathtaking sight, especially thanks to the aerial images that fly over the place. But it is also a dramatic situation when this natural disaster threatens the surrounding homes. The island of Hawaii is currently paying the price.
Mauna Loa is the world’s largest active volcano and it hadn’t woken up in 38 years. He has just done it: since last Monday, the inhabitants of the island can witness an impressive, but also devastating spectacle.
200,000 Hawaiians threatened following the awakening of Mauna Loa
Shortly after the onset of the eruption, the American Institute of Geophysics (USGS) has sounded the alarm and notified 200,000 Hawaii Islanders to prepare for an evacuation from their homes. “The early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can evolve quickly, and the location and progress of lava flows can change quickly,” says the USGS. In fact, the Hawaiians concerned have already prepared their affairs in case the situation were to deteriorate. For now, the eruption remains contained on the northeast flank of the volcano.
Otherwise, dangers already exist, since depending on the direction of the wind, “volcanic gas and Pele’s hair” can reach inhabited areas. Pele’s hair is volcanic glass fibers that form when lava droplets stretch under the effect of the wind: they are very sharp and represent a danger for the eyes and the skin.
Volcanic ash is also unavoidable : they can cause breathing difficulties, but also cause problems for vehicle engines or electronic devices.
A sight best seen from afar
Remain the photos and the videos, which are, as for them, spectacular. Since the last eruption of Mauna Loa in 1984, technologies have evolved and make it possible to witness this rare event from a new angle. The volcano culminates at 4169 meters and covers half of the island of Hawaii: the spectacle it offers does not go unnoticed, especially since its large lava fountains rise up to 60 meters. The eruption is visible for 70 kilometers around.
Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on the planet, is erupting now on the Big Island of Hawai’i after being dormant for 38 years. Follow along to see footage captured by our team 🌋 pic.twitter.com/6busmUpXJr
— Paradise Helicopters (@Paradisecopters) November 29, 2022
When it last erupted, Mauna Loa spewed lava for 22 days, but damage to homes was very limited. At present, the volcano does not threaten any inhabited place, cautiously points out the USGS. Mauna Loa may be gigantic, but it’s not necessarily the most threatening volcano in Hawaii. In 2018, Kilauea destroyed 700 homes when it erupted: a situation caused in large part by the earthquakes associated with this natural disaster. All eyes are now on the American island, and we can wish its inhabitants that the situation does not degenerate.
