The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s big island is stirring once again, prompting road and trail closures.
The US National Park Service says the Kilauea portion of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is seeing an uptick in earthquakes. NPS has also recorded instances where the ground is becoming deformed.
The volcano is not erupting now, at least it wasn’t at press time, NPS officials stressed. Nevertheless, the uptick in geological activity could be a sign that magma is rising to the surface, a prelude to an eruption.
In response, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park managers ordered park amenities found in the East Rift Zone closed. Two roads have been temporarily closed, including the popular Chain of Craters Road.
The Crater Rim Trail and backcountry areas along the coast have also been closed as precautions.
“Safety is always our top priority,” Superintendent Rhonda Loh said. “We remain in constant communication with scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and will continue to notify the public of any changes.”
The danger stems from the unpredictability of when and where a new volcanic eruption might occur. Aside from eruptions, NPS cautions that an increased release of volcanic gases could harm visitors.
“It is never an easy decision to close areas, but it is the right thing to do,” Loh said.
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Park Name:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Location:
Hawaii, USA
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