The Mauna Loa volcano on the island of Hawaii has erupted after remaining dormant for 40 years, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The eruption began shortly before midnight (local time) on Sunday evening, the American seismic institute said.
So far, it has been limited to the Mokuweoweo crater at the top of the mountain. There is, therefore, currently no risk of lava flows to communities downstream.
According to the Hawaiian authorities, Mauna Loa is the highest active volcano in the world. Past eruptions of Mauna Loa have shown that the volcano’s eruptions are very dynamic, especially in the early stages, the authority warned. Winds could carry volcanic ash and gas towards populated areas.
On Twitter, the seismic observatory posted a photo taken by a webcam on top of the volcano. The picture showed lava flowing into the crater.
According to the authorities, the eruption was accompanied by several small earthquakes.
Mauna Loa is located on the largest island in the US federal state, often referred to as “Hawaii” or “Big Island.” Its summit rises more than 4,100 metres above the Pacific archipelago. During its last eruption in 1984, a 25-kilometre-long lava flow approached the town of Hilo.
