What hazards are posed by Mauna Loa's eruption?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:48 am
Lava could eventually reach neighborhoods as it flows downhill though it could take a week or more for molten rock to reach populated areas.
Mauna Loa is spewing sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases. They form volcanic smog, or vog, when they mix with vapor, oxygen and dust in sunlight. As a result, state health officials are urging people to cut back on outdoor exercise and other activities that cause heavy breathing.
Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. Its smaller, more active neighbor, Kilauea volcano, has been erupting continuously for more than a year since September 2021.
People watch the glow from lava erupting from Hawaii's Mauna Loa
People watch the glow from lava erupting from Hawaii's
AP Photo/Caleb Jones
Lava: Molten rock could cover houses, farms or neighborhoods, depending telegram database on where it flows. But lava from the northeast rift zone, where the mountain is splitting apart and it's easier for magma to emerge, will likely take at least a week to reach populated areas, allowing people time to evacuate if needed.
Volcanic gas: Mauna Loa is releasing volcanic gases, mostly sulfur dioxide. The gases are present in their highest concentrations in the immediate area around the summit crater or vents. But they also combine with other particles to form vog, which can spread across the Big Island of Hawaii and even waft over to the state's other islands. Vog can give healthy people burning eyes, headaches and sore throats. It can send those with asthma or other respiratory problems to the hospital.
Glass particles: When hot lava erupts from a fissure and rapidly cools, it forms glass particles named "Pele's hair" and "Pele's tears" after the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
Mauna Loa is spewing sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases. They form volcanic smog, or vog, when they mix with vapor, oxygen and dust in sunlight. As a result, state health officials are urging people to cut back on outdoor exercise and other activities that cause heavy breathing.
Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. Its smaller, more active neighbor, Kilauea volcano, has been erupting continuously for more than a year since September 2021.
People watch the glow from lava erupting from Hawaii's Mauna Loa
People watch the glow from lava erupting from Hawaii's
AP Photo/Caleb Jones
Lava: Molten rock could cover houses, farms or neighborhoods, depending telegram database on where it flows. But lava from the northeast rift zone, where the mountain is splitting apart and it's easier for magma to emerge, will likely take at least a week to reach populated areas, allowing people time to evacuate if needed.
Volcanic gas: Mauna Loa is releasing volcanic gases, mostly sulfur dioxide. The gases are present in their highest concentrations in the immediate area around the summit crater or vents. But they also combine with other particles to form vog, which can spread across the Big Island of Hawaii and even waft over to the state's other islands. Vog can give healthy people burning eyes, headaches and sore throats. It can send those with asthma or other respiratory problems to the hospital.
Glass particles: When hot lava erupts from a fissure and rapidly cools, it forms glass particles named "Pele's hair" and "Pele's tears" after the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.