Volcanic Activity Causes Park To Close

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea, has been erupting since the early 1980s. For the second time in one month, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park had to be evacuated. This was due to rising levels of sulfur dioxide coming out of the Kilauea volcano.

At least two thousand visitors were required to exit the park when pernicious gas coming out of Halemaumau Crater, settled over the main island due to a lack of wind.

A spokesperson for the park, Mardie Lane says they have little or now wind right now. The cloud from the main crater of the volcano has lingered over the island instead of blowing away with the trade winds like it did earlier this week. Going outdoors causes coughing, teary eyes and a clogged throat.

Earlier in the month, a shift in the direction of the wind kept the gas from blowing out to sea. This caused the park to be closed for two days.

The incident commander of the park, Joe Molhoek said, “Our primary concern is for the health and safety of visitors and employees. We’re in close contact with the National Weather Service and look forward to favorable winds by week’s end.”

The Volcano House Hotel and the Kilauea Military Camp were both included in the closure.

Hawaii County Civil Defense says that there were no evacuations issued for the surrounding communities. Those living close to the Volcano Golf and Country Club Estates were told to evacuate if they had any respiratory trouble.