Screengrab via US Geological Survey, Public Domain
For the first time in decades, Hawaii's Mauna Loa — the largest active volcano in the world — erupted, turning the sky red.
The eruption began around 11:30 p.m. local time Sunday night in Mauna Loa's summit caldera, according to a United States Geological Survey statement.
"At this time, lava flows are contained within the summit area and are not threatening downslope communities," the USGS said. It added that winds could carry volcanic ash, gas, and glass elsewhere.
"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," the USGS continued. "If the eruption remains in Moku'āweoweo [the summit caldera], lava flows will most likely be confined within the caldera walls. However, if the eruptive vents migrate outside its walls, lava flows may move rapidly downslope."
Hawaii's Emergency Management Agency and Hawaii's Tourism Authority both said Monday morning that there was no immediate threat to populated areas. The National Weather Service's Honolulu branch said it was looking for reports of ash on the ground following the eruption.
—USGS Volcanoes???? (@USGSVolcanoes) November 28, 2022
Screengrab via US Geological Survey, Public Domain.
People throughout Hawaii posted photos and videos to social media showing a blood-red sky after the eruption.
—Eddie Dowd (@EddieDowdTV) November 28, 2022
—Tom George (@TheTomGeorge) November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa is located on Hawaii's southernmost island — Hawaii — and has an elevation of more than 13,600 feet. It's the world's largest active volcano, and most recently erupted in 1984.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
