Hawaii lava flow reaches home, threatens town

[Buster's Uncle]

Hawaii lava flow reaches home, threatens town
AFP  21 hours ago



In this Oct. 27, 2014 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, the lava flow from Kilauea Volcano that began on June 27 nears the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii. Residents of the small town have had weeks to prepare for what's been described as a slow-motion disaster. County officials are making arrangements for those living in the lava's path to be able to watch the lava destroy their homes as a means of closure. (AP Photo/U.S. Geological Survey)



Los Angeles (AFP) - Red-hot lava from a slow-erupting volcano has reached a home on Hawaii's Big Island and is threatening an entire town, emergency officials said Tuesday.

The lava flow from the Kilauea volcano, burning everything in its path, had advanced some 90 yards (82 meters) in the past 24 hours towards the town of Pahoa, on the eastern tip of the island, officials said.

"The flow front is currently moving in a northeast direction and has entered a private residential property," said the County of Hawaii's Civil Defense force in an online update.

The lava flow had slowed since the previous day, averaging 5 yards an hour compared to 10-15 yards per hour, it said.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi declared a state of emergency last month after the lava advanced to within a mile (1.6 km) of a residential area known as the Ka'ohe Homesteads.

Last week, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to unlock federal resources to help local emergency protective measures.

As the lava threatens a main road in the area, measures needed include providing alternative routes and accommodating some 900 children that will be displaced by the lava, according to Abercrombie's office.

Hawaii Island, or the Big Island, is the largest of the eight main islands which make up the Pacific US state -- an archipelago that includes hundreds of smaller volcanic islands.


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