US: Kilauea volcanic haze reaches Guam as of May 29 /update 13

Event

Volcanic haze from Kilauea volcano has reached Guam as of Tuesday, May 29, prompting local authorities to advise residents with respiratory issues to remain indoors, and cautioning airplane pilots and sailors of the dangers of consequent reduced visibility. Associated air and sea transportation disruptions are possible in the coming days. Additionally, Hawaiian officials urged residents of Leilani Estates on Monday, May 28, to evacuate the area due to continuing eruptions of quickly moving lava in the East Rift Zone fissure system. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the further spewing of lava and ground cracking in the East Rift Zone, notably including near Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens, are possible in the near-term.

A "red" level aviation alert remains in effect for Kilauea as of May 28, indicating that a major volcanic eruption may be imminent. The initial decision to issue such warning, made by the US Geological Survey (USGS) on May 15, came amid intensifying ash eruptions and the production of rock projectiles from volcanic explosions. Additional lava, gas, and ash eruptions are expected at Kilauea and the East Rift Zone in the coming days. Consequent transportation disruptions and evacuations are possible in the near-term. Notably, flight disruptions due to the presence of ash in the atmosphere are possible in the coming hours and days, including at Kona International Airport (KOA).

Context

Residents on the Island of Hawai'i near the ongoing eruptions have been told to be prepared to evacuate on short notice; around 2000 people have already been evacuated in recent weeks. Several earthquakes have also shaken the area, the strongest of which measured 6.9 on the Richter scale.

Kilauea began erupting on May 3. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been closed since May 11 as a precaution. US President Donald Trump has declared a state of major disaster in Hawaii, making federal funding available for recovery operations.

Advice

Individuals in Hawaii and Guam are advised to avoid the affected area, monitor the situation, confirm flight reservations, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and wear respiratory masks and covering clothing to protect skin from ashfall in affected areas.