Hawaii: the world's largest active volcano has erupted

The largest active volcano in the world, Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, has erupted for the first time in nearly 40 years: spectacular, its fury does not threaten homes for the moment, but authorities and experts are calling for prudence.

The eruption, which began at 11.30 p.m. local time on Sunday (09.30 a.m. Monday GMT) according to the American Institute of Geophysics (USGS), is carrying torrents of molten rock to the upper part of the volcano.

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It also causes thick clouds of smoke high above the American island of Hawaii, the largest of this Pacific archipelago.

The scrolls are thus visible for more than 70 kilometers around, according to the USGS.

Aerial photos by a Civil Air Patrol flight, November 28, 2022, Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA.

Zuma/ABACA

Originally contained in the summit crater, lava is now flowing through fissures on Mauna Loa's flanks and specialists are monitoring the situation closely.

This aerial image released by the US Geological Survey (USGS) from the Civil Air Patrol on November 28, 2022, shows lava over Mauna Loa's northeast rift zone in Hawaii.

HANDOUT / AFP

No evacuations have been ordered by authorities, but the area near the summit and some roads on the island are closed as a precaution.

"

," the USGS said on its website.

There is currently no risk for homes located under the eruption area, according to the institute, which however warns of the volatility of this volcano, the largest in the world - it covers half of the island of Hawaii and its area exceeds that of all the other islands of the archipelago added together.

"

," the USGS warned.

This image released by the US Geological Survey (USGS) on November 28, 2022 shows a webcam view of Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii.

HANDOUT / AFP

According to the institute, the winds could also carry "

", volcanic glass fibers named after the Hawaiian goddess of fire, which form when droplets of lava stretch into fine filaments. under the effect of storms.

Sharp as razor blades, they are dangerous for skin and eyes.

The US Weather Services (NWS) warned that volcanic ash and debris could accumulate around the volcano.

This can cause breathing difficulties in the inhabitants or disrupt the operation of engines or electronic systems.

Last eruption in 1984

Mauna Loa, or "

" in Hawaiian, had not erupted since 1984. It spewed lava for 22 days, producing lava flows that washed ashore just seven kilometers from the town of Mauna Loa.

Hilo, located northeast of the volcano.

"

," commented on Twitter volcanologist Robin George Andrews.

According to him, the lava flows escaping through the newly formed crevices on the northeast flank of the volcano represent "

".

But unless there is a dramatic increase in their flow, the city of Hilo and its 44,000 inhabitants should be preserved.

Mauna Loa rises to 4169 meters and is one of six active volcanoes in the Hawaiian archipelago.

It has erupted 33 times since 1843. The main island of the archipelago is also home to a slightly taller volcano, Mauna Kea - 4207 meters.

Just southeast of Mauna Loa, the Kilauea volcano is experiencing very sustained activity, with almost uninterrupted eruptions between 1983 and 2019. Its latest, minor, has been underway for several months now.