Kilauea, a most active volcano in Hawaii begins to send eruption materials

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the fissure eruption was spotted shortly after the floor at the Pu’u O’o crater collapsed around 5 p.m. Saturday. It occurred along the middle of Kilauea’s east rift zone, about 2 miles west of Pu’u O’o. (www.sltrib.com)

A new vent has opened at Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, sending lava shooting up to 20 metres into the air. (www.guardian.co.uk)

“As a volcanogist, this is what we do. These are the moments we wait for,” volcanogist Janet Babb told KHON2. “It is exciting to see an eruption begin particularly if you can see it from the very start.”

Kilauea has been in constant eruption since 1983.

At the summit, lava receded rapidly late Saturday but seemed to slow Sunday. There were also about 150 small earthquakes recorded within Kilauea in the past 24 hours.

Scientists said areas near the vent at Kilauea, which has been in constant eruption since 1983, could erupt or collapse without warning, posing a threat to hikers.

In addition, potentially lethal concentrations of sulphur dioxide could be present up to half a mile downwind of vent areas. (www.sltrib.com)

Babb told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that the fissure had expanded and is now almost a third of a mile long. He added that scientists were moving into the remote area to observe the fissure and take readings.