Mauna Loa - World's Most Active Volcano Eruption Imminent After Over 65 Earthquakes, Officials Recommend Packing Bags

Officials are advising residents of the Big Island of Hawaii to pack their "go bags" and get ready for the inevitable eruption of the enormous Mauna Loa volcano as seismic unrest grows at the largest active volcano in the world in Hawaii.

The Mokuweoweo caldera is located 2-3 miles beneath the upper elevation of the Mauna Loa northwest flank. Yesterday, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reported that they had detected 65 small-magnitude earthquakes there, an increase from the ongoing period of unrest.

GPS instrumentation on Mauna Loa has been measuring inflation at elevated rates since mid-September, which shows that magma is developing inside the volcano.

Reading the Signs

Although Mauna Loa is not currently erupting, and there are no indications of one currently, scientists are worried that the eventual eruption of the enormous volcano may occur sooner than desired.

HVO said in a statement that due to increased earthquake activity and summit inflation, Mauna Loa is still experiencing high levels of unrest. Most likely, the renewed magma input 2-5 miles beneath the summit of Mauna Loa is what is causing the current unrest.

Since June 2022, the number of earthquakes has increased from 5 to 10 per day to 10 to 20 per day in July and August, and then to 40 to 50 per day during the month's first two weeks. On September 23 and 29, there were daily peaks of over 100 earthquakes. 53 earthquakes of a similar magnitude occurred in the 24 hours that ended today, compared to 65 earthquakes within the 24 hours that ended yesterday.

Other telltale signs of an impending eruption have not yet materialized, so far. In addition, fumarole temperatures at the summit as well as at Sulphur Cone located on the upper Southwest Rift Zone, as well as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, have not changed significantly over the past week, according to tiltmeters at the summit.

HVO added that there are no signs that an eruption is about to occur, despite the current uptick in activity, and the development of an eruption is not guaranteed.

However, authorities advise residents of Hawaii to be ready in case Mauna Loa erupts.

The USGS said in an update that no matter where people live on the island of Hawaii, whether they live on the Mauna Loa flanks or elsewhere, this increase in activity serves as a good reminder to be ready for a volcanic eruption.

Volcanic eruption preparedness involves taking the same precautions as many other hazards and is referred to as "All Hazards" preparedness. It entails creating a "go bag" of necessities in case of a speedy evacuation, as well as a family communication plan and knowing how to obtain up-to-date emergency information.

Emergency Preparedness

A website for emergency preparedness has been created by Hawaii County Civil Defense with instructions on how to get a family, a home, or even a business ready for potential disasters, including volcanoes.

The most crucial action anyone can take, according to USGS, is to develop an individual response plan. Ensure that family members and friends are informed of the plan you have in place for what to do in the event of a volcano eruption.

The USGS advises putting together a "go bag." Nowadays, people prepare "go" bags filled with necessities in case an order to evacuate forces them to leave their homes.

USGS says that people in Hawaii should create plans that take into account different kinds of days and times of the day. For example, if family members are away at work or school during certain hours, the plan should cover what to do and how to communicate if an eruption happens while they aren't at home. USGS says that having a backup communication strategy helps keep in touch.

Mauna Loa Eruptions

Communities on the west and east sides of the Big Island, from Kona to Hilo, may be affected by the large, swiftly moving lava flows that frequently result from Mauna Loa eruptions.

There have been seven Mauna Loa lava flows that have threatened Hilo in the eastern part of Hawaii since the 1850s. Mauna Loa lava flows have struck the island's south and west coasts five times between 1859 and 1919 and three times in 1950, Weatherboy reports.

Go Bags

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, or HEIMA, suggests including the following items in a "go bag."

First, vital records like a driver's license or identification card, bank account information, credit or debit card numbers, health insurance cards, advance directives for medical care, copies of property titles or deeds, and prescriptions, including medicine, hearing aids, glasses, and others of the sort.

A change of clothes, as well as sturdy shoes, are the next items. Bring a flashlight, batteries, and a portable battery-or crank-powered radio. A first aid kit, a manual can opener, a non-perishable food supply - such as beef jerky, energy bars, and nuts), water storage containers (roll-up water bottles work well), as well as comfort items and a whistle, are necessities.