Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again After 50 Years : Watch Video

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, has erupted again, drawing significant attention. 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that lava began to emerge from the summit of this famous volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, around 12:30 a.m. local time. 

The eruption prompted the USGS to raise the alert level to red, signaling that hazardous volcanic activity is either imminent, underway, or suspected.

In the 24 hours leading up to the eruption, more than 400 earthquakes were recorded in the area. Most of these earthquakes occurred between noon on Sunday and midnight on Monday. 

The largest quake, with a magnitude of 4.1, happened at 9:12 p.m. on Sunday, just hours before the eruption began. 

Here is the video:

According to recent research published in Nature Geosciences, a mechanism similar to a "stomp-rocket toy" may have contributed to the intensity of the lava flow, and this could influence future eruptions in a similar way.

Past eruptions of Kilauea have been highly destructive. In 2018, heavy lava flows destroyed over 600 properties as the lava traveled from the Kilauea summit to the ocean. 

Fortunately, the current eruption is taking place in a remote area, so the primary hazards are airborne, related to gas emissions and tephra (rock fragments) being blown downwind.

The eruption is concentrated about a mile south of the Kīlauea Caldera and north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

This area is rugged and closed to the public. 

The open fissure is more than a mile long, with lava fountains reaching heights of up to 65 feet. Gas emissions from the fissure are also notable. 

The last similar eruption occurred in 1974, which was much more voluminous and covered a larger area.

So far, the lava flows are relatively thin, having traveled only a few hundred yards from the fissures. 

Numerous large ground cracks have formed around the eruption site. 

This eruption could continue for a few hours to a couple of days, according to USGS experts.

Officials have not yet observed Pele's hair—a volcanic glass formation created from cooled lava—at the site. 

Researchers are closely monitoring the volcano for any changes in activity. 

They are also collecting data on the volcanic gases and steam being emitted from the fissure and nearby cracks.

As the situation develops, residents and visitors to the Big Island are urged to stay informed and heed any safety advisories issued by local authorities. 

The eruption of Kilauea is a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of Hawaii's volcanic landscape.