The world's largest active volcano has started to erupt for the first time since 1984, local authorities said Monday.
Driving the news: Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano — located on the Big Island — began erupting late Sunday night, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
- As of Monday midday, the Geological Survey said lava from the eruption was flowing down one side of the volcano and was not threatening any downslope communities, though harmful volcanic gas — and possibly fine ash and glass fibers — could be carried downwind.
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State of play: USGS warned on Sunday that "residents at risk from Mauna Loa lava flows should review preparedness and refer to Hawai'i County Civil Defense information for further guidance."
- "Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly," USGS said.
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The big picture: In October, officials in Hawaii started to warn residents of the Big Island that Mauna Loa may be signaling that it could erupt, AP reports.
- Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano, also on the Big Island, erupted in 2021.
Flashback: The 1984 eruption began suddenly after three years of increasing earthquake activity beneath the volcano, per USGS.
- In 1950, Mauna Loa erupted and within three hours, lava flows had crossed the main highway on the west coast of Hawaii.