The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has raised its alert levels for Kilauea after increased activity has been detected beneath the volcano.
According to an HVO report Wednesday, increased earthquake activity and ground inflation was detected beneath Kilauea’s summit south of the caldera region early Wednesday morning, which indicates the subsurface movement of magma.
While HVO emphasized that Kilauea is not currently erupting, nor is it possible to say whether this new activity is indicative of a future eruption, the observatory has raised its volcano alert level for Kilauea from “Advisory” to “Watch” and its aviation color code from “Yellow” to “Orange.”
Should an eruption begin, HVO predicts it would occur in or near Halemaʻumaʻu crater or the region south of Kilauea caldera.
HVO will continue to monitor the situation.