Hawaiian volcanologists ‘advise’ wider evacuations as violent lava flows swallow homes

Lava flows from Kilauea volcano on the Big Island have reached Highway 137, threatening to cut off the escape route for lower Puna. While there is no immediate threat to the public, lava discharge is picking up the pace.

The flow of lava on parts of the Big Island is advancing at a pace of 1,000 feet in an hour, the County of Hawaii Civil Defense announced on Saturday, noting that by the end of the day lava could cross Highway 137, which leads to Puna district of the island.

“Residents should be aware that the lava flow is currently .8 miles from Highway 137 and, at the current rate, may cross the highway within the next four to seven hours,” Civil Defense said at 2 pm local time.
 RT
 20/5/18
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