The world's largest active volcano erupts for the first time in 38 years

The Mauna Loa volcano is the world's biggest active volcano, although it hasn't erupted since 1984.

The world's largest active volcano erupts for the first time in 38 years

The Kilauea volcano is one of five volcanoes that make up Hawaii's Big Island, and it's been erupting for more than a year now. It's neighbor, the Mauna Loa volcano, is the world's biggest active volcano, although it hasn't erupted since 1984. It's so big that it makes up almost half of the island, and it's even taller than Mount Everest. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the volcano has erupted 33 times since its "first well-documented historical eruption" in 1843, and it last erupted in 1984. Also, it's reported that there were signs of the ground shaking around Mauna Loa since earlier this September.

Well, on Monday, Mauna Loa erupted for the first time in 38 years, with lava flowing and ashes shooting into the air. The eruption didn't pose any immediate danger, but Hawaiian officials asked people to be ready for the "worst-case scenario" of lava flows heading toward residential areas. They also cautioned people with respiratory sensitivity to limit time outdoors since the eruptions can affect the air quality. The USGS also warned that an eruption "can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly." The national park expects the rare double eruption to attract visitors, but it reminded  tourists to be aware of the cultural significance the sites have for Native Hawaiians.  

Key comments:

“Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly,” said the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. “If the eruption remains in Moku’āweoweo, lava flows will most likely be confined within the caldera walls.”

“The glow is like nothing I’ve seen here living in Kona for most of my life,” said Matthew Liano, a resident of Kailua-Kona.

“I think everybody should be a little bit concerned. We don’t know where the flow is going, we don’t know how long it’s going to last,” said Bobby Camara, a resident who lives in Volcano Village.

“You could see it spurting up into the air, over the edge of this depression,” said Gunner Mench who witnessed the volcano eruption. “Right now it’s just entertainment, but the concern is” it could reach populated areas.”