At least 657 homes destroyed by lava as flow approaches Ahalanui ponds

UPDATE: Tuesday 7:15 a.m.

Fissure 8 continues to erupt, filling the lava channel on the way to the ocean in Kapoho.

Gas emissions are still “very high,” according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense. However, there are no immediate threats to nearby residents.

A community meeting will be held today at the Pahoa High School cafeteria at 5 p.m.

5:25 p.m.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said there is no tsunami threat following a collapse/explosion event that occurred around 5:03 p.m. today at the Kilauea summit. The energy released from the event is the equivalent of a magnitude 5.3 earthquake.

The event resulted in a small plume made of mostly steam and little ash.

Residents in the Volcano area are asked to monitor utility connections of gas, electricity and water after earthquakes.

5:05 p.m.

The latest number of homes destroyed by the Kilauea eruption was at 657 as of today, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Fissure 8 continues to flow into the ocean at Kapoho Bay, with a widening flow front that is now a three-quarters of a mile from Ahalanui Beach Park, popular for its warm ponds, according to Hawaii County spokeswoman Janet Snyder.

The flow front is now about two miles wide, according to USGS, but it is unknown when the lava will hit Ahalanui. USGS said it is very difficult to gauge because there is currently only one overflight a day. Access to the area is very hazardous, with heavy plumes of laze.

So far, 6,164 acres have been covered by lava.

Fissure 22 is the only other fissure showing activity, but very little, with a glow, but no spattering.

6:15 a.m.

Fissure 8 continues to erupt with a full lava channel flowing into the ocean at Kapoho, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Although there are no immediate threats, people near the flow should be prepared to evacuate, the Civil Defense said.

Disaster assistance is available island-wide to individuals and businesses on Hawaii island that have been affected by the Kilauea eruption. The Disaster Recovery Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is located at the Keaau High School Gym.

Tropic Care 2018 will provide free medical, dental and eye care today through Thursday at Keaau High School between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tropic Care is open to everyone.

SUNDAY, JUNE 24

5:30 p.m.

A collapse explosion event happened at Kilauea’s summit this afternoon, Hawaii County Civil Defense said.

The event occurred at 4:12 p.m., releasing an amount of energy equivalent to an earthquake of magnitude 5.3. No tsunami was generated.

Civil Defense said a small ash plume may affect surrounding areas, and wind could carry the ash plume to the southwest toward Wood Valley, Pahala, and Ocean View.

12:30 p.m.

Eruption activity continues in the Lower East Zone with no significant change in the last 24 hours, reports the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Fissure 8 remains active and the spatter cone is now 180 feet at its tallest point. Pele’s hair and lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the fissure’s lava fountain continue to fall downwind of the area.

Hawaii County Civil Defense reminded residents in the Volcano area to monitor utility connections of gas, electricity and water due to frequent earthquake activity.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open until 8 p.m. at Keaau High School.

MORE KILAUEA COVERAGE
>> Real estate loss from eruption approaches $400 million
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>> Closed voting sites and early absentee ballots raise concerns in Puna
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>> Kilauea eruption has cost state, county more than $5.8M
>> Lava output far outpaces previous eruptions
>> For National Guard, lava disaster presents real-world mission
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>> Big Island disaster survivors flow into a FEMA aid center on opening day
>> Kilauea eruption is classic example of ‘gentle’ volcano
>> Ashfall, vog lowers air quality for residents of Ocean View
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>> Kilauea isn’t Hawaii’s only active volcano
>> Survivors of past Hawaii lava recall despair and opportunity
>> Hundreds of animals among lava refugees
>> Influx of new people has brought more crime, shelter residents say
>> Helicopter mission allows widow to gather belongings before losing home to lava
>> Kilauea eruption will fuel volcano research for years to come
>> Photos, words fall short in describing volcano
>> Prolonged papaya shortage expected in wake of volcanic activity

MORE KILAUEA COVERAGE
>> Kilauea eruption has cost state, county more than $5.8M
>> Lava output far outpaces previous eruptions
>> Fifth world conference on hula underway in Hilo
>> Council members anticipate special session over lava’s ramifications
>> Despite reports, Kilauea eruption not causing gems to rain from sky
>> For National Guard, lava disaster presents real-world mission
>> Scientists monitoring renewed fissure activity
>> Big Island disaster survivors flow into a FEMA aid center on opening day
>> Moderate quake shakes Kilauea summit
>> Congresswoman Hanabusa visits Hawaii island
>> Kilauea eruption is classic example of ‘gentle’ volcano
>> Ashfall, vog lowers air quality for residents of Ocean View
>> Big Isle tourism campaign gets love in Ohio
>> Kilauea isn’t Hawaii’s only active volcano
>> Survivors of past Hawaii lava recall despair and opportunity
>> Hundreds of animals among lava refugees
>> Influx of new people has brought more crime, shelter residents say
>> Helicopter mission allows widow to gather belongings before losing home to lava
>> Opening viewing points might shore up Big Island’s visitor industry
>> Kilauea eruption will fuel volcano research for years to come
>> Photos, words fall short in describing volcano
>> Prolonged papaya shortage expected in wake of volcanic activity

The Associated Press contributed to this report.