Hawaii: More volcanic explosions expected Big Island
http://www.dw.com/en/hawaii-more-volcanic-explosions-expected-big-island/a-43749202
Hawaii: More volcanic explosions expected Big Island
Date 12.05.2018
Scientists on the Big Island of Hawaii on Friday underscored their recent statements that the oozing magma, which has so far destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands of people on the Big Island of Hawaii to evacuate, may not be as big a threat as the destructive lava flows that could soon hit the island.
As a lava lake at Kilauea's summit drains inside the volcano, magma is running underground. It could burst to the surface as large, fast-moving and intensely hot lava flows. It could also produce higher levels of toxic gases, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist-in-charge Tina Neal said.
Scientists warn that Kilauea may not be done causing problems "What will take a turn for the worse in terms of hazard is if hotter, fresher magma makes it to the surface, and that could be what is coming," Neal said on a conference call. "Once a new batch of hotter, gassier magma makes it to the surface we might see larger, higher eruption rates."
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Hawaii's Governor David Ige said Friday US President Donald Trump had approved his request for a presidential disaster declaration on the island. He said the declaration means federal assistance will be available as the state covers costs associated with damaged roads, public parks, schools and water pipes.
Warnings that Hawaii's Kilauea volcano could erupt again are prompting people to rethink their vacation plans to visit the Big Island.
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Hawaii officials have been busy all month urging travelers to keep their plans, even as dramatic images of natural disasters afflicting the islands have been playing non-stop on televisions and social media feeds.
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