Kilauea volcano erupts, spewing lava fountains 300 meters high.

 

volcano 

Kilauea volcano erupts, spewing lava fountains 300 meters high.

The latest eruption of lava from Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii sent dramatic fountains of molten rock soaring nearly 1,000 feet (about 300 meters) into the air on Tuesday, prompting authorities to temporarily close parts of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and sections of a nearby major highway due to falling volcanic debris and ash. Officials warned that fragments of volcanic glass and ash—known as tephra—were being carried by the wind and could pose risks to visitors and drivers in surrounding areas.

The volcano, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, has continued to captivate both residents and tourists for more than a year with its intermittent eruptions. These eruptions periodically send spectacular fountains of glowing lava high into the sky, creating a striking natural display that attracts attention from scientists, photographers, and travelers from around the world.

According to monitoring reports, the volcanic activity that began early Tuesday morning marked the 43rd eruptive episode since this phase of activity began in December 2024. Live broadcasts from the site showed two powerful fountains of bright red lava shooting upward while thick plumes of smoke and volcanic gases rose above the crater.Scientists say it remains unclear how long this particular eruptive phase will continue, as previous episodes have varied widely in duration—some lasting only a few hours while others continued for several days.

Despite the dramatic visuals, officials emphasized that the molten lava remains confined within the summit crater of the volcano inside the national park. Because of this containment, the eruption currently poses no immediate threat to nearby homes or buildings, and no evacuations have been ordered for surrounding communities.

However, the towering lava fountains have created hazards for nearby areas. Falling fragments of volcanic rock and ash—collectively known as tephra—have landed around the volcano’s summit region and nearby roads. As a precaution, park authorities temporarily closed sections of the summit area inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

 In addition, parts of Highway 11, one of the island’s main roads that circles the Big Island and passes near the park, were partially shut down to protect motorists from falling debris and reduced visibility caused by volcanic ash.

Scientists continue to closely monitor the volcano’s activity, as eruptions at Kilauea are known for changing rapidly. While the current eruption remains contained within the crater, authorities are urging residents and visitors to follow safety guidelines and stay updated on official advisories as the volcanic activity evolves.