Mauna Loa volcano’s lava flow slows as it approaches a major Hawaiian highway

lava flowing from Mauna LoaThe world’s largest active volcano is slowing down considerably. It is currently oozing at speeds of less than 50 yards per hour. That means it takes about 2 hours to travel the length of a soccer field.

According to the USGS, only one rift is active and feeds lava flows. Hawaii Volcano ObservatoryThe other cleft is “sluggish” and the other two are inactive.

Mauna Loa It started erupting Sunday night for the first time in almost 40 years.Although the lava flow has slowed since then, it is still threaten to cross Via the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as the DKI Highway or Saddle Road. The stream is less than three miles away from reaching the highway, so you can clearly see it.

Geologists say it could take a week for the lava to reach the DKI Highway. The road connects the East and West sides of the Big Island of Hawaii and serves as a vantage point for thousands of people looking to see historic eruptions.

David Phillips, deputy scientist at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, told CBS News that there is “no immediate threat” to residents west or south of the island at this time.

But if Mauna Loa had taken a different route, the town of Hilo might have been spot on.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said Friday it had dispatched a team to Hilo to assist the county of Hawaii in its emergency response.

“The lava is currently moving very slowly and does not pose an immediate danger to populated areas, but it is still a hazard with great potential for destruction,” said Luke Myers, the agency’s administrator. says in a statement.

The state health department said air quality remains good despite the ash and sulfur dioxide being released by the eruption.