Fast-Flowing Lava Prompts New Evacuation Near Hawaii Fissure

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The mayor of Hawaii County told residents living near fissure 7 in the Leilani Estates subdivision of Puna to evacuate on Sunday, May 27, due to fast-flowing lava.

The residents were told that shelters were open and pet-friendly.

Earlier on May 27, lava crossed onto the property of a Hawaii geothermal power station, posing a new hazard; however, residents were reassured that no release of hydrogen sulfide had been detected from wells on the site.

According to the Hawaii Tribune Herald, lava has destroyed 41 homes and covered over 2,200 acres of land since the Kilauea volcano erupted on May 3.

This video, from the USGS, shows lava erupt from the seventh fissure on May 27. Credit: USGS via Storyful