Lava flow advances another 225 yards

Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Saturday morning the June 27 lava flow had advanced another 225 yards since Friday.

The flow continues to advance to the north-northeast and is widening. It was about 1.7 miles upslope from the intersection of Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory officials said the flow is following a path of steepest descent, toward the vicinity of Pahoa Marketplace.

A breakout from the lava tube that emerged Dec. 5, about 1.6 miles from Pu‘u ‘O‘o, also remains weakly active, according to HVO. The breakout is about 0.6 miles long and has widened the flow field in that area by about 220 yards.

The current activity does not pose an immediate threat to communities and Civil Defense and HVO personnel continue to maintain close observations of flow activity.

Meanwhile, smoke conditions were light Saturday morning in the immediate area of the flow, with a light north wind blowing smoke in a south-southeast direction. A light rain in the area was helping reduce the smoke and there was no threat of fire.

Civil Defense reported, however, smoke conditions could increase in some areas and residents who might be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take precautions and remain indoors.