Hawaii Island: New Eruption breaks out in the east rift zone in lower Puna

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has announced that fissure 16 is venting lava spatter about a mile below the Puna Geothermal Plant, a mile west of Highway 132. No lava flow has yet occurred.

Highway 132 (Pahoa-Kapoho Road) remains open and no buildings are in danger from the latest fissure. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the 16th fissure with lava spatter opened east of the Puna Geothermal Plant and Northeast of the Lanipuna housing area.

This is the first lava activity in the East Rift Zone since Thursday. Highway 132 (Pahoa-Kapoho Road), is still open as of Noon Saturday.

There is “spattering” of lava in an area east of Puna Geothermal Venture, although the exact location is unknown, Janet Snyder, spokeswoman for Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, said this morning.

This is the first lava activity in the East Rift Zone since Thursday.

-###-