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Scientists monitor new eruptions at Hawaii volcano

Scientists on Sunday were closely monitoring heightened activity at Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, after a fissure sent lava spewing 65 feet in the air.
Image: This March 6, 2011 US Department of the
Lava pours from the Pu'u O'o vent on the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on Sunday, Mar. 6.HO / USGS via AFP - Getty Images
/ Source: Reuters

Scientists on Sunday were closely monitoring heightened activity at Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, after a fissure sent lava spewing 65 feet in the air.

No homes were threatened and no campers were injured, said park rangers, but they cautioned visitors to still keep their distance from the volcano.

Kilauea has been in constant eruption for 28 years. But geologist Janet Babb of the U.S. Geological Survey said this weekend's activity indicates "new episodes in eruptions and further unknowns."

On Saturday, one of the volcano's crater floors, named Pu'u 'O'o, collapsed 370 feet, the Geological Survey said. The event was accompanied by 150 small earthquakes, all confined to the volcanic area.

Separately, on the volcano's eastern side, a 535 yard-long fissure in the ground opened, spewing lava 65 feet in the air, the Geological Survey said. Also, another crater called Napau began erupting.

Authorities closed a trail on the east rift zone, the campsite at Napau Crater and nearby roads, said Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Park Ranger Mardie Lane.

Visitors can see the eruptions from about 1.5 miles away and remain safe, she said.