Hawaiian Volcano Observatory installs new webcam to monitor Kīlauea

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory installed a new webcam to monitor Kīlauea’s upper-east rift zone.

HVO staff deployed the temporary webcam to Maunaulu for scientists to monitor.

Reports said the volcano is not erupting but as of Friday, about 1,200 earthquakes have shaken Kīlauea since April 27, mostly in the upper East Rift zone.

According to the USGS, about 280 earthquakes have been observed in the past 24 hours, most of them posting magnitudes below 2.5.

“We’re watching this 24 hours a day because it’s the kind of activity whether it’s an eruption or an intrusion could emerge out of very easily right now it’s not focused on opening the crack,” said HVO’s Ken Hon.

Scientists at HVO cannot determine if this activity will lead to an eruption soon, but they aid that any event would likely happen very quickly.

“If a crack opens up, that’s when magma will come to the surface could happen very very rapidly as we’ve seen before the eruption since 2020 they’ve all made it to the surface in less than two hours,” Hon added.

According to Hon, even a minor intrusion can make the Chain of Craters Road impassable.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will issue an alert if activity increases. Meanwhile, park visitors are urged to stay updated and informed.

To observe the live image of the upper East Rift Zone, visit the USGS’ website.