Lava Flow Prompts Hawaii Governor to Sign Emergency Proclamation
Preparations underway as lava may cross highway near Pahoa soon.
A new lava flow on the Big Island has spurred Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie to sign an emergency proclamation.
The lava, which is coming from vents that opened in June, is聽expected to reach the boundary of the Kaohe Homesteads as soon as Tuesday. If it continues to flow east-northeast, it will eventually cross Highway 130.
County officials have identified two abandoned roads 鈥 Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road 鈥 to be improved and used as alternate routes should access be cut off by the lava flow.
Tim Orr/USGS
鈥淗ealth officials are also advising all residents living near the lava flow to plan ahead for potential smoke from burning vegetation and low levels of sulfur dioxide,” Abercrombie said in a release Friday. “Conditions for nearby communities may vary widely due to the unpredictability of wind and weather.鈥
The disaster emergency relief period goes until Oct. 15, according to the proclamation.
Residents are also encouraged to enroll in local notification systems and monitor local radio and television broadcasts, the release says.
You can see more photos and track the flow’s progress on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s website .
Read the emergency proclamation below.
