Doomsday for Hawaii? New Lava Vent Threatens Big Island (VIDEO)

“Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a new fissure in the lower East Rift Zone. Lava spatter was reported east of the geothermal plant property and northeast of Lanipuna Subdivision … Continuing earthquakes, ground deformation, and sulphur dioxide emissions mean additional outbreaks of lava are possible,” the Civil Defense said on its website late on Saturday.

The new fissure is the 16th that has emerged since the beginning of Kilauea’s latest eruption on May 3. The US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said on Friday that 15 previous fissures have not produced any lava since May 9.  However, lava previously emitted from those openings has reportedly destroyed 36 structures, including over 20 homes, and covered 117 acres of land.

The observatory also said that the withdrawal of lava from the summit lake of Halemaumau crater could lead to a steam-driven eruption. It could generate ash plumes as high as 20,000 feet, which would affect the area of up to 12 miles. The biggest danger from such eruption is ash fallout, according to civil defense.

Meanwhile, the Hawaii National Guard jointly with other US authorities are developing a mass evacuation plan for thousands of Big Island residents in light of a possible explosive eruption of Kilauea volcano, the guard’s spokesman told Sputnik.

“We are looking at a mass evacuation plan just in case the roads get cut off on both sides of the Puna area and a lot of residents will be stranded,” Maj. Jeff Hickman said.

However, the spokesman did not specify the exact number of people who would be evacuated, but said that it probably will be “in the thousands.”

In order to develop a mass evacuation plan, the Hawaii National Guard takes several different metrics into account, including the number of soldiers, available trucks and helicopters, and the number of residents in the potential evacuation zone, Hickman added.

“Right now, it’s not a mandatory evacuation. Local authorities are putting out information and letting people make their own decisions … It’s not our job to scare the public, it’s our job to educate, so they can make the most informed decision,” the spokesman noted.