FX.co ★ Kilauea volcano began erupting more than six weeks ago
Kilauea volcano began erupting more than six weeks ago
About 10,000 residents should be evacuated. Those of them who will refuse can be arrested or not saved at all. There are risks that emergency services will not be able to respond promptly to calls or take responsibility for rescuing people from the disaster zone, said the official representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency David Mays.
Data on the number of destroyed houses vary from 100 to 600. Kilauea is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its height is 1247 meters above sea level.
The volcano is one of six that formed the Big Island of Hawaii over the past millions of years. Mauna Loa is the largest and most central; Kilauea, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Kohala occupy the edges of the island. Mahukon is currently under water. All six are shield volcanoes with wide sides consisting of cooled lava flows.
As a result of the eruption, at least 24 cracks formed, from which smoke rises and rivers of hot lava pour out destroying everything in their way.
Before the eruption, the eastern part of the Big Island was shaken by hundreds of earthquakes.
Tourists photographed a piece of lava floating in the sea, the size of which was extremely large, like a minibus. Eyewitnesses dubbed him "lavaberg", an iceberg made of lava.
Green landscapes of the island were replaced by red and black colors. Kilauea destroyed several lakes, bays, forests, most of the houses in the town of Leilani Estates, a power station, two resort villages, and it also ruined many roads.
The US Geological Survey warned about the maximum, "red" level of danger for aircraft due to ash emissions and thick smog.
The shores of the Pacific also became dangerous. Hot rocks got into salty sea water and it led to a chemical reaction and the formation of toxic clouds, acid fogs and a number of other dangerous phenomena.
Amidst the destruction, precious stones literally fell on the heads of local residents. Semi-precious stones surfaced as a result of the eruption and now they are scattered on the streets and beaches of the island. Hawaiian olivine is distinguished by pale green color.
Olivine of high quality is used by jewelers. The cost of such stones can reach $450 per carat.
Residents, affected by the eruption of the volcano, will receive payments from the US government. And the region will be provided with federal assistance.