Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is erupting for the second time this year.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) said the volcano’slatest eruption beganin Kīlauea’s summit caldera, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, around 4:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
Webcam footage shows numerous fissures “at the base of Halemaʻumaʻu crater,” according to a press release from the agency, which is “closely” monitoring the eruption.
Volcanic activity is currently contained to the caldera, according to the HVO, which operates under the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
HVO officials said on Wednesday that hazards “will be reassessed as the eruption progresses,” but that “high levels of volcanic gas” are the primary concern as that can have “far-reaching effects down-wind.”
Andrew Richard Hara / Getty Images
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) released during the eruption “will react in the atmosphere to create the visible haze”known as volcanic smog, or “vog,”which has already been observed downwind of the volcano, per the agency.
“Vog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to residents and visitors, damages agricultural crops and other plants, and affects livestock,” officials said.
Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano.Mario Tama / Getty Images
They are also warning of several other hazards, including ash falls, aphenomenon known as “Pele’s hair”as well as “other lightweight volcanic glass fragments.”
Residents are encouraged to minimize their exposure to the aforementioned particles, “which can cause skin and eye irritation,” according to the agency.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Dangers closer to the eruption site — specifically “within the area closed to the public” since late 2007 — include crater wall instability, ground cracking, rockfalls and earthquakes.
“This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea caldera rim surrounding Halema’uma’u crater," the HVO said.
This is the second time Kilauea has erupted this year. The last eruption began Jan. 5 and lasted 61 days, according toHawaii News Now.
Two months prior, Mauna Loa on Hawaii’s Big Islanderupted for the first timein 38 years. Mauna Loa is considered one of the world’s largest active volcanoes.
Live footageof the eruption can be viewed online via the USGS’ webcam.
source: people.com
