Kilauea’s eruption is technically over. But that doesn’t mean it won’t start up again

The Kilauea eruption, which lasted for months, destroyed hundreds of homes and changed the...
The Kilauea eruption, which lasted for months, destroyed hundreds of homes and changed the landscape of lower Puna.(USGS (custom credit))
Updated: Dec. 5, 2018 at 7:15 AM HST
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -The eruption from Kilauea’s lower east rift zone is technically over. But that doesn’t mean it won’t start up again.

Wednesday marks exactly three months since lava activity was last observed, and according to the U.S. Geological Survey, a three-month lull in activity means an eruption could be over.

Emissions have been relatively low, and earthquakes aren’t as prevalent. However, magma is still being supplied to Kilauea, the USGS said.

So officials have a warning for nearby residents: don’t let your guard down.

They point to one example of lava activity resuming after more than three months. It happened at Kilauea in 1969, during the Mauna Ulu eruption, which lasted five years.

In the meantime, geologists continue to closely monitor Kilauea for any changes.

The eruption from Kilauea’s lower east rift zone started in May, destroying hundreds of homes and changing the landscape of lower Puna.

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