Hawai’i, December 23, 2024 — 5:14 PM HST
An eruption that began early this morning at Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, has slowed significantly as of 4:00 p.m. today. The eruption, which began around 2:20 a.m. HST in the Halema’uma’u crater within the Kīlauea summit caldera, had been marked by vigorous lava fountaining and high volcanic gas emissions, but now appears to have entered a temporary pause.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reports that lava fountains in the southwest section of the caldera had reached impressive heights of up to 300 feet (90 meters) earlier in the day. By 1:00 p.m., however, the fountains began to diminish, and by 3:30 p.m., only faint activity was visible. The eruption, which initially covered roughly 650 acres (2.6 square kilometers) of land, has resulted in the lava reaching depths of up to 1 meter thick. However, the lava flow now appears to have stopped.
Although the eruption has slowed, it is still a cause for concern due to the significant amounts of volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), being emitted. As of early this morning, emissions were estimated at over 100,000 tonnes of SO2 per day, a rate similar to previous eruptions. A plume of gas and particles moved southwest over the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where the eruption is confined, and visibility in some areas remains limited due to the gases.
The Kīlauea Volcano Alert Level remains at “WATCH,” and the Aviation Color Code is at “ORANGE,” indicating ongoing volcanic activity that warrants monitoring. The eruption, while not immediately threatening human life or infrastructure, continues to be a subject of close observation.
By 4:00 p.m., seismic tremor decreased, and volcanic gas emissions reduced significantly, suggesting the eruption could be entering a period of dormancy. HVO scientists are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and the public is advised to stay informed through official updates.
The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remains closed to visitors in the affected areas. HVO will issue an update on the situation tomorrow unless significant changes occur overnight.
For live updates, the Kīlauea summit livestream is available here.
For more information, visit the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park website: www.nps.gov/havo
USGS photo by D. Downs.
