World's Largest Volcano 'Mauna Loa' is Waking Up, Scientists Caution People to Prepare for Eruption

Researchers observing the disturbed geological activity on the biggest island in Hawaii say that while an explosion of the volcano that controls the landscape is not yet looming, the long nap of Mauna Loa may be coming to an end.

Hawaii's Big Island is probably a compilation of five volcanoes prodding out of the Pacific Ocean, which includes one of the most active Kilauea in the world and the Mauna Loa which is the largest in the world, making up about half the landmass of the island.

(Photo : Archie Binamira)

The Deadly Hazardous Season 

Kilauea has been in the spasms of a dramatic, fiery, and sometimes deadly hazardous season for decades now. And while the volcanoes with smaller shields on the eastern slope of Mauna Loa gather international attention for their outburst, its huge sibling has been inactive since 1984 when it last erupted.

Though over the past few weeks, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) registered over 200 small-sized earthquakes beneath Mauna Loa. These observations by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) and other observations of accelerated activity in recent weeks all lead to an increased flow of basalt into the shallow storage system of the volcano, as stated by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO). In short, Mauna Loa is waking up gradually.

Read More: Volcanic Eruptions Igniting Coal and Oil in Siberia Helped Usher the Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction Event or the "Great Dying"

An Eruption is Probably Not Happening 

While researchers affirm that an eruption is likely not going to happen today, tomorrow, or next, this week the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) snuffed out a release encouraging that "now is the right time to re-explore plans for a personal eruption." 

Particularly exposed are regions on the western shore of the island, cited at the south of the Kailua-Kona main tourism center, where lava flows could get to the ocean and inhabited regions in a matter of hours such as Captain Cook.

The Mauna Loa most recent eruption which happened in 1984 saw lava get to the suburbs of Hilo on the island's other side serving as home to the University of Hawaii though with warnings of several weeks.

"These days, people load "go" bags that contain essential items in case you want to leave your house under an order of evacuation, you may even want to add necessary files, like your legal papers, birth certificate, medications, and deeds." according to a statement from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO)

(Photo : Capung Purnomo)

An Eruption Does Not Mean Hazard 

Though, an eruption does not naturally mean a hazard to property or people, as part of the eruptions registered from Mauna Loa have stayed seated in the remote apex region. With that said, many eruptions have sent a flow of lava to the ocean in a matter of a few hours. It is just difficult to forecast ahead of time. 

The eruption of Lava from Kilauea in 2018, which creates a lower amount of material matched to Mauna Loa, still maneuvered to spoil a number of houses and other bases. Apart from lava, eruptions can as well create toxic gases. So when an eruption occurs, don't forget to stay up to date with information from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) and Hawaii County Civil Defense to be on a safer side. 

Related Article: Most Dangerous Volcanoes in the World That Can Erupt at Any Time

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