The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s largest island has erupted, prompting a local state of emergency and mandatory evacuation of over 1,700 residents.
Rivers of lava can be seen running through the woods and across roads. Dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide gas have also been detected in the area, according to the Civil Defense Agency.
The Kilauea volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A series of recent earthquakes were felt in the area prior to the eruption.
“It sounds like a jet engine,” said Ikaika Marzo, a resident on the island. “It’s going hard.”
Evacuees have found shelter in community centers that have opened their doors during the emergency.
