Mauna Loa: World's largest active volcano erupts in Hawaii

The world's largest active volcano, Hawaii's Mauna Loa, is erupting for the first time in almost 40 years.

"Lava flows are contained within the summit area and are not threatening downslope communities," officials said.

But the notification from the US Geological Service (USGS) warned the situation could change rapidly.

An ashfall advisory is in effect for Hawaii's Big Island and the surrounding waters, and residents have been told to remain vigilant.

The volcano's alert level has been upgraded from an "advisory" to a "warning", its highest classification.

Mauna Loa last erupted in March and April of 1984, sending lava flows within 5 miles (8km) of the city of Hilo.

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 ML 4.3
Region    ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
Date time    2022-11-28 08:56:26.4 UTC
Location    19.46 N ; 155.59 W
Depth    5 km
Distances    313 km ESE of Honolulu, United States / pop: 371,000 / local time: 22:56:26.4 2022-11-27
35 km E of Captain Cook, United States / pop: 3,400 / local time: 22:56:26.4 2022-11-27