Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Sending Plume of Ash 30,000 Feet Into Sky

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted on Thursday, after a week of lava-spewing fissures causing evacuations and an enormous ash plume developing over the volcano. The eruption sent a plume of ash and smoke 30,000 into the sky. The most immediate concern seems to be the volcanic ash left on the island, which can make roads “extremely slippery” and cause “conditions of poor visibility,” according to The Huffington Post. The U.S. Geological Survey also warned that “volcanic ash can disrupt downwind populations by causing breathing problems, impacting water quality, clogging air filters, shorting out power systems and making transportation difficult.” The agency advised residents to seal open doors and windows, seal open water sources, and avoid going outside. After the eruption, USGA said the ash plume rose from 12,000 feet to 30,000 feet. The prolonged volcanic activity, which started on May 3, has destroyed 37 homes and has forced about 2,000 residents to evacuate.