Officials at Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park have announced closures in certain areas of the park due to increased seismic activity associated with the island’s most active volcano, Kilauea. While the volcano is not currently erupting, experts warn that it is showing signs of increased unrest, prompting officials to temporarily shut down sections of the park as a precaution.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, the Kilauea volcano has experienced a series of earthquake spikes in the upper East Rift Zone, indicating that the volcano is becoming more active. As a result, park officials have closed sections of trails near the volcano, where the risk of rockslides and other hazards is heightened.
The park’s superintendent, Rhonda Loh, emphasized that the safety of visitors is the top priority. She stated, “Decisions to temporarily close areas of the park are never easy but are made as a precaution. Kilauea volcano is very restless right now, and safety is our utmost priority. When USGS notifies us of significant changes, we will re-evaluate area closures.”
While there has been no unusual activity observed in other parts of the rift zone, experts warn that the volcano is capable of erupting with little warning. In a statement, USGS notes that “unrest may continue to wax and wane with changes to the input of magma into the area, and eruptive activity could occur in the near future with little or no warning.”
USGS has currently designated Kilauea as being under a code yellow, indicating elevated unrest, while Mauna Loa, another active volcano on the island, is in code green status, indicating normal activity. However, officials warn that codes can change quickly, and residents and visitors alike should stay informed and be prepared for potential volcanic activity.
This is not the first time officials have had to close parts of the park due to increased volcanic activity. Last year, the summit of Mauna Loa was closed as a precautionary measure. While visitors to the park may be disappointed at the closures, officials stress that safety is the top priority, and these measures are necessary to protect the public.
Kilauea has a history of eruptions and has been active for decades. In 2018, its most recent major eruption resulted in the collapse of the summit, damaging buildings and roads in the park and forcing residents to evacuate. With the recent spike in earthquake activity, residents and visitors must remain vigilant and follow authorities’ instructions in the event of further eruptions.
As the situation at Kilauea continues to develop, officials urge the public to stay informed through official sources and to follow any safety measures put in place to protect their well-being. It is important to remember that while volcanic eruptions can be unpredictable, there are steps we can take to mitigate their impact and stay safe.
