Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Volcano Erupts

ANDREA HOLLAND (News Editor)

Recently, the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii sparked a quick-moving volcanic eruption after nearly four decades of being dormant. According to NPR, Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in the world. Though its flow does not cause any community risk, the lava is inching closer to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, a sizable connecting highway system.

The lava flows at a continuous rate of 25 feet per hour. The continuous flow of lava rises along with the growing smell throughout the air. A similar volcano, Kilauea, also was erupting along the same timeline, and it is unclear if the two are related. Many locals and tourists treated the eruption more as a tourist attraction since it posed little to no threat. According to NPR, it was a beautiful eruption that did not damage any major infrastructure.

To Hawaiian locals, volcanic eruptions hold an important cultural significance. During the eruptions of Mauna Loa and Kilauea, many native Hawaiians celebrated with cultural dances, singing and cultural offerings. For locals, eruptions mean rebirth in the community, which is why they serve such a significance to the people. It can also be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch unfold.

“If I had the opportunity to watch a volcano erupt, I definitely would; it’s not every day you get to watch an eruption like that,” senior Yanis Valderama said.

Despite the cooldown of the eruption since it hit the two week period, according to NPR, scientists still believe volcanos need a three month cooldown period before they consider it dormant. Scientists will continue to monitor the volcanos during this time period to ensure the complete safety of the people.