Lava eruptions destroy homes, wreak havoc in Hawaii

Geologists say that the ongoing lava outbreak from the Kilauea volcano would “continue for some more days and could go on for weeks”.

PHOTOS: Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts

IMAGE: A new fissure spraying lava fountains as high as about 230 feet (70 m), according to United States Geological Survey, is shown from Luana Street in Leilani Estates. Photograph: US Geological Survey/Reuters

The spewing of lava from Kilauea volcano in Hawaii’s Big Island showed no signs of stopping as 21 homes have been destroyed in the aftermath of the eruption in Leilani Estates, Hawaii County officials said on Sunday.

The figures were confirmed after the officials undertook an aerial survey earlier in the day, according to local media reports.

IMAGE: Lava advances along a street near a fissure in Leilani Estates, on Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, Hawaii. Photograph: US Geological Survey/Reuters

Geologists say that the ongoing lava outbreak from Kilauea volcano that is inundating Leilani Estates would “continue for some more days and could go on for weeks”.

In spite of the destruction, officials have allowed residents to return temporarily to retrieve their belongings. Children were strictly prohibited from entering the affected area.

Hawaii County spokeswoman Janet Snyder said that the rise of sulphur dioxide levels led to a severe deterioration of air quality and advised all to exercise caution.

IMAGE: Over 20 homes have been destroyed as the lava continues to advance. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Hundreds of residents of Hawaii’s Big Island continued to flee as lava and molten rocks erupted from Kilauea volcano spewed into the neighbourhoods of the island.

The volcano, which became active, was the result of the Friday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake, and has already driven people out of their homes in Big Island, CNN reported.

IMAGE: Lava from volcanic fissures slowly flows as structures and trees burn in the Leilani Estates neighborhood in the aftermath of eruptions from the the Kilauea volcano. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

“The earthquake, one of the dozens to hit the area in 24 hours, was the most powerful on the island since 1975,” the United States Geological Survey said in a statement.

The earthquake led to the opening of cracks in Kilauea volcano’s rift zone, an area of fissures, spewing lava near the island’s eastern edge and destroying roads, vehicles, and trees in Big Island.

IMAGE: Residents jam a street after being allowed to briefly return home to check on belongings and pets in an evacuation zone near volcanic activity on Hawaii's Big Island. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

At least seven volcanic vents have opened in Leilani Estates, according to the Hawaii Civil Defence Agency.

All residents of Leilani Estates, where around 1,700 people live near the Big Island’s eastern edge, and nearby Lanipuna Gardens, have been ordered to evacuate.