A magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Big Island, Hawaii. This is the strongest earthquake ever recorded since 1975 in the archipelago, where for days there has been a succession of huge tremors linked to the eruption of the Kilauea volcano. Thousands of people had been evacuated. Concern is also growing for the incandescent lava and toxic gases that threaten inhabited centres.
Island authorities have evacuated and cordoned off the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park area due to earthquake-induced landslides along trails. At the same time, the campuses of the University of Hawaii and the residential area around Pahoa were closed. There is currently no damage to road infrastructure, such as the Hilo airport. Experts averted the tsunami warning.
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The Volcanological Observatory of Hawaii reported that the magma flow is moving towards the eastern district of Puna, an area rich in forests and cultivated areas. So far, two houses have been engulfed in lava. According to experts, the numerous earthquakes recorded so far on the island reflect the movement of the volcano which adapts to the movement of magma.
Meanwhile, the authorities have ordered the evacuation of more than 1.700 people from the area closest to the lava, warning residents of the danger of sulfuric gas for the elderly and people with respiratory problems.
