Scientists tracking new Kilauea lava flow (Pahoa: association, vacation, activities)

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by JoDan

Open D, What is the search and recovery mission?

It was a case of a fisherman who fell overboard off of Pahoiki Wednesday. Unfortunately he wasn't found. Sad news for his family.

Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Fisherman | Big Island Now

[OpenD]

Civil Defense Alert for Sunday 10/5, the flow rate has picked up a little...

Eruption Information Update For 10/5/14 At 8:00am.

This is an eruption and lava flow Information Update for Sunday October 5th at 8:00am

An aerial survey performed this morning shows that the flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 100 yards since yesterday. The narrow flow front is moving along the tree line and the burning activity with that is producing a significant amount of smoke. There is no brush fire threat at this time and the burning is limited to the edges of the flow only. Due to a light south wind this morning the vog and smoke conditions were moderate to heavy across lower Puna to Hilo.

Current flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities and no evacuation is needed at this time. Area residents will be given adequate notice to safely evacuate should that be necessary.

County of Hawaii - Civil Defense Alerts and Information

[OpenD]

The HVO Kilauea Status Report also has a lot of details you may find interesting...

HVO Kilauea Status

[OpenD]

Monday's Civil Defense alert... the flow has increased a little...

Eruption Information Update For 10/6/14 At 8:00am.

This is an eruption and lava flow Information Update for Monday October 6th at 8:00am

This morning’s assessment shows that the flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 150 yards since yesterday. The narrow flow front is moving along the tree line and the burning activity is producing a significant amount of smoke. There is no brush fire threat at this time and the burning is limited to the edges of the flow only. Due to a light southwest wind this morning the vog and smoke conditions were moderate to heavy across lower Puna to Hilo.

County of Hawaii - Civil Defense Alerts and Information

[OpenD]

New HVO maps for Monday, showing the extent of the new flow... notice the breakout way back in the middle portion, labelled Aug 12... and the second map shows a blue arrow that maps the direction and distance they currently forecast for the lava to flow over the next 10 days.



.

[OpenD]

From Tuesday's Civil Defense Alert... the flow is advancing faster. Notice the new Department of Health cautionary alert concerning medical care in the Lower Puna area, which I have emphasized.

Eruption Information Update For 10/7/14 At 8:00am.

This is an eruption and lava flow Information Update for Tuesday October 7th, at 8:00am.

This morning’s assessment shows that the flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 120 yards since yesterday. The narrow flow front is moving along the tree line and the burning activity is producing a significant amount of smoke. The brush fire that started from the lava flow yesterday has been contained and fire department personnel are continuing with mop up operations. Smoke conditions in the area were moderate to heavy and expected to improve as the winds pick up through the day.

Current flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities and no evacuation is needed at this time. Area residents will be given adequate notice to safely evacuate should that be necessary.

The public is also reminded that the flow is not visible and cannot be accessed from any public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision will remain restricted to area residents only.

The Hawaii State Department of Health advises residents dependent on medical services, treatment, or supplies and who live in communities that may be cut off by the advancing lava flow to relocate outside the affected area to ensure continued access to necessary medical support. If the lava flow crosses Highway 130, medical services and supplies will be severely limited and emergency medical service response time may be significantly delayed.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the lava flow, residents and visitors are advised to listen to Hawaii County Civil Defense updates and advisories.

County of Hawaii - Civil Defense Alerts and Information

.

[OpenD]

New prediction that lava could reach Pahoa in 16 days is accompanied by caution that lave flow is is variable and prediction could change.

Scientists: Lava could reach Pahoa in 16 days

Lava appears to be picking up speed toward Pahoa and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists estimate the flow could reach the outskirts of the town in 16 days.

Scientists resumed predictions on when the lava could reach Pahoa on Monday, after the flow resumed its advance last week.

The lava has been moving about 390 feet a day since Oct. 3 and is about 1.2 miles upslope of Apaa Street, on the outskirts of Pahoa along the steepest descent path and 1.1 miles upslope along a straight line. The flow front is narrow, about 230 feet wide.

Scientists caution that the flow advance has varied significantly over the last month and the projection is subject to change.

Scientists: Lava could reach Pahoa in 16 days - Hawaii News - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

[JoDan]

I'm intrigued by lava and it's effects on the land and people. I feel for the people of Pahoa and hope for the best. It's hard to imagine what the majority of the residents are feeling. Thanks for your updates.

[hotzcatz]

The effects of lava are somewhat similar to any natural disaster, although it is more long drawn out. There is also a higher level of unpredictability.

We just went through the prep for a natural disaster thing with the hurricane just before the lava flow. There's the watching to see if it's actually going to affect your area. For the hurricane, that was only about a week. For the lava, it's been a month and will possibly be more. Then there's the few days before the hurricane when you know it's gonna come near but not by how close or how strong. For the lava, that looks to be several weeks of waiting and angst. Then when it looks certain that the hurricane will hit, there is the scramble to prepare. Secure loose stuff, cover the windows, gather food for a week, etc. There is no way to prepare for a hurricane other than to move out of the way. The actual time of the hurricane was less than a day for the whole area. For the lava, that could take years. So the lava is a much, much more long drawn out affair. It takes longer to recover from lava, too.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Then when it looks certain that the hurricane will hit, there is the scramble to prepare. Secure loose stuff, cover the windows, gather food for a week, etc. There is no way to prepare for a hurricane other than to move out of the way. The actual time of the hurricane was less than a day for the whole area. For the lava, that could take years. So the lava is a much, much more long drawn out affair. It takes longer to recover from lava, too.

I have to disagree.

When it was a Hurricane before it turned into a Tropical Storm before it landed on the Big Island it was known for at least a few days it was going to be a direct hit. And it turned out it was - many people ignored it. Even on this forum, people kept writing about how hurricanes don't hit the BI (technically right) - and that it shouldn't be a big deal (it was). The only question was, exactly where it would hit - but anyone on the East side of the island had plenty of time to evacuate - this wasn't a situation of "oh - a hurricane is coming - what a surprise", the forecasts had it heading as a direct hit for at least a few days.

The lava may take years (really?) - or just a few weeks - at least for now, it is coming. No reason for residents to not be packing boxes and preparing. It stops, doesn't hit - bonus. It keeps coming, which is likely - you are prepared.