Mount Kilauea erupts with gushing torrents reaching 500 feet high

Fiery lava fills crater

Kilauea volcano began a new eruption phase on Wednesday, sending lava fountains hundreds of feet into the air. US authorities raised the volcano alert level to ‘Watch’ and the aviation colour code to ‘Orange’.

Footage shows bright orange lava bursting from the north vent inside Halemaumau crater. Rivers of molten rock spread across the crater floor as volcanic gas and smoke rise above the summit.

Eruption grows stronger

The US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said episode 52 began on Tuesday evening. Lava fountains quickly reached between 300 and 500 feet (90 to 150 metres), while fresh lava covered more than 10 per cent of the caldera floor.

Authorities have closed the area around the crater because of dangerous gases, falling rocks and unstable ground. The USGS is monitoring the eruption for any changes.

Air quality concerns

People living downwind have also been warned about worsening air quality. Volcanic gas, ash and vog could be carried by winds linked to Tropical Storm Fausto.

Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has produced repeated summit eruptions since late 2024.

The latest eruption followed weeks of rising ground and increasing magma pressure beneath Halemaumau crater. Volcanologists say these changes can signal that an eruption is approaching.

Article by Viory.