Although dangerous, volcanoes are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world. Their warmth can be very helpful during winter. Some are safe enough to be promoted as tourist attractions, especially for adrenaline junkies, to try out some dare-devil activities on these lava-filled mountains such as boarding, abseiling, or even biking.
With that being said, it is to be reminded that volcanoes are also one of the deadliest things in the world, especially if they are active. You will risk experiencing volcanic hazards if you are anywhere nearby an active volcano. The world’s largest active volcano in the world was recently reported to have erupted for the first time in 38 years.
It has been reported that Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, has erupted for the first time since 1984. It is said that the eruption occurred yesterday (Tuesday, 29th November) around midnight, possibly due to earthquake activities. Reports are saying that lava is overflowing on one side of the volcano but according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the sudden eruption is not too critical to require evacuating nearby residents and communities.
Although the eruption is not an immediate threat to the locals in the area, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (Hawaii EMA) told residents to prepare for the worst. According to a tweet by Hawaii’s Civil Defense, two shelters have been set up in preparation for a disaster. At the time of writing, the overflowing lava currently poses no threat to any populated area.
However, ash from the active volcano can still cause minor to major damage depending on the severity of the eruption. Other than damaging vehicles and buildings, contaminating water supplies, and killing vegetation, volcanic ashfall can be very lethal to the body. “People with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors to avoid inhaling the ash particles and anyone outside should cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth,” the Honolulu office warned.
At the moment, Hawaiian officials and defenses are currently monitoring Mauna Loa’s activities to prepare for any necessary evacuations and disaster prevention. For your information, during the last eruption in 1984, the overflowing lava reached the outskirts of the city of Hilo while locals were preparing to evacuate, according to past reports.
Watch this video report on Mauna Loa’s eruption:
Sources: CNN, Twitter (1)(2), Hawaii Governor State, NST, Britanicca
