Explosive eruption sends ash 30,000 feet over Hawaii volcano

HAWAII: An explosive eruption sent ash spewing out 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) into the air above Hawaii´s Kilauea volcano on Thursday and residents of the Big Island were warned to shelter in place as the plume engulfed a wide area, authorities said. “Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that an Explosive Eruption at Kilauea´s Summit has occurred,” County of Hawaii Civil Defense said in a phone alert. “The resulting ash plume will cover the surrounding area. Shelter in place if you are in the path of the ash plume. “The powerful, steam-driven blast was expected to spew large amounts of volcanic ash and smoke from Kilauea´s crater. The volcano has destroyed 37 homes and other structures in a small southeast area of the island and forced around 2,000 people to evacuate their homes. Geologists had warned explosive eruptions could begin once Kilauea´s falling lava lake descended below the water table, allowing water to run on to the top of the lava column and create a steam-driven blasts.