World’s biggest active volcano erupts for first time in 40 years

The largest active volcano on the planet, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, has erupted for the first time in around 40 years.

Mauna Loa erupted at around 11:30pm local time, spewing out volcanic ash, lava and sulphur from it’s peak. The scenery would have been considered mesmerising, were it not for the more than dozen earthquakes it triggered.

By 6:30am local time, the US Geological Survey confirmed that the lava flow had changed from the summit and moved into the North East Rift Zone.

A rift area is a spot where a volcano has cracked open, which allows more lava to seep through to the surface. Thankfully, the volcanic discharge has been contained within the summit and North East Rift Zone.

Warnings by the US Geological Survey (USGS) were issued to the 200,000 people on the island that eruptions can be very dynamic and that lava flow direction can change rapidly.

The eruption was a predicted one, 40 years in the making, with scientists saying that Hawaiians and visitors should be prepared to flee if need be. However, indications are that the eruption will remain contained.

Despite this, people with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors to avoid inhaling ash particles and that anyone outside should cover their moth and nose with a mask or cloth.

#MaltaDaily