May 18, 2018: An explosive eruption has occurred at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano sending ash about 30,000ft (9,100m) high into the sky.
According to the report issued by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued at 02:54 UTC, after the explosive eruption early this morning seismic levels have been gradually increasing, but as of this report no additional explosions have occurred.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red alert, which means major volcanic eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected with hazardous activity both on the ground and in the air.
According to Talmadge Magno, civil defense administrator for Hawaii County, around 18,000 masks that protect from particulates like ash were given out Thursday.
Officials still warned people in the area on Hawaii's Big Island to stay indoors and to use the masks. Officials expect volcanic activity to continue, citing a similar series of events in 1924 that lasted 2½ weeks.
Mount Kilauea volcano is one of the most active volcano in the world and has been erupting continuously, though not explosively, for more than 30 years.
Mount Kilauea volcano is one of the most active volcano in the world and has been erupting continuously, though not explosively, for more than 30 years.