Kīlauea volcano shows heightened activity, next eruption possible soon

Kīlauea volcano shows heightened activity, next eruption possible soon
Lava erupted from vents on the western caldera wall, feeding flows across Halemaʻumaʻu crater during a new Kilauea eruption in Hawaii on 23 December 2024.
Reuters

Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.

The current eruptive episode began on 23 December 2024. Observations on 11 January 2026 show dome-shaped lava fountains reaching up to 15 metres, feeding lava flows within Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

The United States Geological Survey has kept Kīlauea at a Volcano Alert Level of Watch and an Aviation Colour Code of Orange, indicating heightened unrest with a potential eruption that could pose limited hazards.

Overnight, lava overflows continued intermittently, with flows between 75 and 150 metres wide extending into the crater. The activity suggests the volcano could enter its 40th eruption at any time, following previous eruptions at the summit since December 2024.

Kīlauea is among the world’s most active volcanoes. Authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely and advise visitors and residents to avoid restricted areas around the summit.

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