A lava flow in the Puna District

            After having been decimated by a hurricane a couple of weeks ago, the Puna area is once again under siege. A lava flow from the Puʻu Oʻo vent on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano is threatening the area, The latest map from the Hawaiʻi Volcano Observatory has the flow bearing down on the town of Pahoa.

            Pahoa is an old town with only one road, Route 130. in or out. It is estimated that if the lava stays on its present course at its present speed, it will reach the town in about a week. It would then cut across Route 130 and cut off convenient access to the area in which about 18,000 people live.. The county is opening up dirt roads to provide access to the area. However, if the flow is persistent, those roads will also be cut. If that occurs the only possible way for people and goods to get in or out would be if the coastal road is rebuilt over the old lava flow in Volcanoes National Park.

            One can only hope that Pele will halt her flow before this area is once again dealt a devastating blow.