Lava spreads in Pahoa Village, destroying everything in its path. photo from http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/multimedia/uploads/multimediaFile-920.jpg
As molten rock measuring 2,000-degrees Fahrenheit continues to flow across parts of Pahoa village in Hawaii, residents are becoming increasingly fearful due to the potential destruction of their homes, CNN reports.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) noted that the first home was destroyed by lava on November 12, slightly before noon local time.
Officials assured the residents of this house were in no danger. The family had previously moved their belongings and left their home in an effort to avoid the scathing lava from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, which initially vented and released its fury in late June 2014.
The lava has been flowing from this single eruption since June.
According to nps.gov, the flow slowed down on Oct. 30 and the main flow has thankfully not continued past this location. However, some lava is breaking-out from the main flow and destroying any and all civilization in its path.
The main flow measures 20 yards wide at the tip and reaches a staggering length of 100 yards when measured farther back.
People are desperate for answers and specifics, but geologist with the Hawaii Volcano Observatory Matthew Patrick stated, “The flow is still active, and there is still scattered activity in the flow. So it’s just a matter of where that activity is at any given moment.”
In other words, there’s no telling what might happen. A USGS geologist said there is a definite possibility the lava flow could continue for 30 years. If so, a few months is not worth complaining or getting worked up about.
Hawaii County’s Civil Defense Agency administrator Darryl Oliveira noted that “It’s very difficult for the homeowners, because it’s a stop-and-go phenomenon.” Officials will continue to monitor the lava flow to the best of their ability and evacuate homes as needed.
Alex Minor, a marine currently stationed in Hawaii, notes “I think it’s unfortunate that the flow is causing the damage that it is. This whole thing goes to prove to us humans that we can’t control nature or what God chooses to do. I honestly think that [the lava flow] may teach the people on that island to not take things for granted and to appreciate what they have while they have it.”