2,000 people evacuated in Hawaii amid volcanic activity

2,000 people evacuated in Hawaii amid volcanic activity

news.yahoo.com

VOLCANO, Hawaii - Elevated sulfur dioxide levels from Kilauea volcano and a change in wind direction Tuesday forced 2,000 people to leave Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.

The park was closed, and those at campgrounds, the Kilauea Military Camp as well as the guests and staff at the 42-room Volcano House hotel were told to leave, Chief Ranger Talmadge Magno said.

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The rising levels of gas could be an indicator of a coming large "Belch" by Kilauea, a massive lava burst. Almost Forty years ago it produced bursts almost 2000 feet high.

Hopefully everyone is evacuated safely and the situation is brought under control.

news.yahoo.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

[edit on 9/4/08 by MikeboydUS]