The lava flow is approaching a major roadway.
Earlier this week, Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano globally, erupted on Hawaii’s Big Island, releasing ash and lava. While there is no immediate threat to people’s lives, the movement of lava towards populated areas has raised concerns among locals regarding crucial infrastructure.
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By Wednesday morning, the lava flow was about 3.6 miles away from the Saddle Road, or Daniel K. Inouye Highway, a critical roadway on the island. This road connects the western and eastern sides of the island, and its potential damage or destruction by the advancing lava could lead to significant delays for locals in commuting. This would not only be inconvenient but could also impact vital services like deliveries and emergency response.
“County officials are collaborating with the state Department of Transportation to prepare a plan for shutting down the Daniel K. Inouye Highway if the lava gets too close and poses a risk,” stated Adam Weintraub, communication director with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, in a CNN report. “These plans are preliminary and may change based on the lava’s movement.”
Hawaii residents are questioning whether anything can be done to stop or divert the lava as it approaches a highway on the Big Island. This concern arises whenever lava nears crucial infrastructure or towns. https://t.co/sjdv639FC1
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 1, 2022
The lava is gradually slowing down and spreading as it moves away from the volcano, giving local geological experts confidence that they would have at least a day’s notice before any potential impact on critical infrastructure.