Faith Lopez ‘25
Having been quiet since 1984, the Mauna Loa in Hawaii erupted on November 27, 2022, making it 38 years since the last time it happened.
At 11:30 p.m. local time, the eruption began at the summit of Mauna Loa. The lava that traveled presented obvious safety risks. These threats to the public included winds carrying volcanic ash and gas, along with possible quick directional changes by the lava flow.
Residents who were located nearby were informed of the risks and had plans in case of emergency. The road leading to the Mauna Loa Observatory is being impacted by Mauna Loa's eruption and lava flow. In regard to volcanic ash and gas, it impacts the air quality which can be extremely dangerous for residents.
The previous Monday, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency went on to call a volcano advisory alert but then changed it to a warning. Gov. David Ige of Hawaii issued an emergency proclamation on Tuesday in response to the eruption of Mauna Loa.
Although this eruption itself has been such a turning point in history, there is another factor in why this is so significant to Hawaiian history. Being only 21 miles apart, both the Mauna Loa and Kilauea were erupting, which has not taken place since Mauna Loa's last eruption in 1984. This is called a dual-eruption, which is extremely rare. Both of these locations in which the volcanoes are known to be sacred landscapes as well.
Due to the Mauna Loa, the closure of the Mauna Loa Forest has been promoted which will limit tourist destinations. The people of Hawaii do not want to risk damaging any of the preserves or risking them of any harm or damage.
Currently, the Mauna Loa is being very closely observed and watched for any updates or changes.
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