Shield volcano - low with gently sloping sides - formed from layers of lava

Kilauea’s main mode of destruction is lava

On this occasion, fissures opened to the east of the volcano releasing lava close to built up areas

Residents ordered to evacuate - including 1,500 population of Panoa

Eruption ongoing for a month

Eruption estimated to be wither VEI-0 or VEI-1

Extensively monitored by the United States Geology Survey (USGS)

Lava destroyed 82 properties

Scientists of the US Geology Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) have instruments that monitor the rift zones 24 hours a day

Inhabitants of the island are encouraged to develop an evacuation plan including locations they can stay should their property be at risk from a lava flow

High levels of toxic gas emissions from the eruptions could present health problems in the future for Hawaii’s residents

Volcanic smog (vog) - contains mostly sulphur dioxide and acid particles along with ash - air quality concern

Molten rock travelled to coast - began pouring into cool seawater - created clouds of lava haze (“laze”)

People warned to stay away as plumes can travel up to 15 miles downwind

No deaths from vog related symptoms