🚀 go-pugleaf

Kilauea volcano claimed another home early yesterday morning as slowly
creeping lava reached out and consumed one of the two homes it had
been threatening for almost two weeks.

Buddy Roberts' home became the 58th destroyed since the current eruption
began on Jan 3, 1983.  Fourteen homes have been destroyed this year.
Buddy's father's home nearby was destroyed last year.

The flow first began winding its way towards the homesteads on Dec. 16th
after crossing what was once the Kalapana Bypass Highway.

Hawaii Volcano Observatory scientists are also taking a closer look
at the Pu'u O'o vent, which has been the site of increased tremors.
A flyover of the vent yesterday revealed several new cracks, but
no lava.  The cone appears to be slumping.  The venting is
continuing only at the ponding area.

There have also been minor outbreaks of lava in the Royal Gardens
subdivision in areas previously covered by lava.

Meanwhile, lava continues to flow into the sea along the eastern
boundary of the Volcanos National Park, adding a little more land
to the Big Island of Hawaii.  About 45 acres have been added to
the island during the current eruption.

-- 
Bob Cunningham
bob@loihi.hig.hawaii.edu