World's Largest Active Volcano Mauna Loa Hawaii Erupts, Emergency Authorities Open Shelters

Mauna Loa Volcano Eruption, Hawaii. (Wikimedia Commons/USGS/Natalie Deligne)

JAKARTA - The world's largest active volcano Mauna Loa in Hawaii, United States of America erupted for the first time since 1984, ending its longest period of calm in history.

The night sky over Hawaii's largest island glowed red, as hot, bright lava shot out over the top of the volcano at around 11:30 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Lava is contained within the summit and poses no threat to Hawaiians living on the slopes, for now, the United States Geological Service (USGS) said, citing Reuters Nov. 29.

The service warned residents on Monday that volcanic gas and fine ash could drift toward them.

"All indications are that an eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone," the agency said in a notice, referring to the area where the volcano split open, allowing lava flow, citing CNN.

"Traces down to less than a quarter inch" of ashfall could accumulate in parts of the island, said the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said it had opened two shelters on the island as a precaution, but stressed that there was no sign the lava would threaten populated areas and issued no evacuation orders.

About half of all recorded Mauna Loa eruptions have occurred at the summit, the agency said.

Mauna Loa Volcano Eruption, Hawaii. (Wikimedia Commons/United States Geological Survey)

Ashfall can damage vehicles and buildings, contaminate water supplies, disrupt sewer and electrical systems, and damage or kill vegetation, the weather service said, while abrasive volcanic ash can irritate eyes and lungs.

"Persons with respiratory diseases should stay indoors to avoid inhaling ash particles and anyone outside should cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth," the Honolulu office warned.

"Possible harm to plants and animals. Slight damage to equipment and infrastructure. Reduced visibility. Thorough cleanup may be required."

Mauna Loa rises 13,679 feet (4,169 meters) above the Pacific Ocean, part of the chain of volcanoes that make up the island of Hawaii.

Mauna Loa last erupted in March and April 1984, sending lava flows within 5 miles (8.05 km) of Hilo, the island's largest city.

"Based on past events, the early stages of Mauna Loa's eruptions can be very dynamic and the location and movement of the lava flows can change rapidly," the Observatory said, adding, If the eruption persists at Moku'āweoweo, the lava flows will most likely be confined within the caldera walls.

"However, if the eruption vent migrates outside its walls, the lava flow can move rapidly downslope."