The world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, has erupted for the first time since 1984, putting the largest island of the archipelago on alert due to a likely ashfall this Monday, November 28.
The eruption of Mauna Loa does not threaten local communities or impede flights over the Big Island. However, wind-blown ash may accumulate in parts of the island.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu recommends that people with respiratory illnesses stay indoors to avoid inhaling ash particles, and those who need to go outside should cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth.
Mauna Loa, which covers half of the Big Island of Hawaii, has erupted 33 times since 1843, when the first “well-documented historical eruption” occurred, according to the US Geological Survey. The volcano last erupted in 1984, making this prolonged period of “Rest” the longest in recorded history.
The volcano has recently been in a state of elevated unrest. Between five to 10 earthquakes per day were recorded in June 2022, and about 10 to 20 earthquakes per day in July and August, according to the US Geological Survey. A peak of more than 100 earthquakes per day was recorded between September 23 and 29.
The increase in volcanic activity led Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to close the summit of Mauna Loa to all visitors.