Kilauea Volcano Erupts: Fresh Lava Fountains in Hawaii - Tsunami Update

In a sudden and intense display, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has erupted with fresh lava fountains, marking nearly a year since its current eruptive phase began. The US Geological Services (USGS) reported that the eruption started at 8:45 am HST on December 6, with sustained lava fountains reaching heights of 50-100 feet (15-30 meters). According to webcam livestreams, the fountains intensified rapidly, with one camera positioned in a hazardous area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park being buried by tephra from an inclined lava fountain between 9:55 and 9:57 am HST. The USGS noted that such episodes typically last "a day or less" and that all eruptive activity is confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater within the national park. While local airports are not expected to be impacted by volcanic gas or ash, authorities are monitoring elevated volcanic gas levels and the potential spread of "Pele's hair," strands of volcanic glass that can be carried over 10 miles from the vent. Tourists and residents are advised to exercise caution, as hot, glassy volcanic fragments can fall within 1-2 miles of the eruptive vents. Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has remained highly active since 1983 and erupts relatively frequently. Its current eruption marks episode 38, with the volcano's activity expected to continue in the coming days.