http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2813781/Hawaii-lava-flow-slow-gentle-unrelenting.html
Incredible aerial shots show Hawaiian lava trail which threatens to cut town in half
Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii has been bracing itself for lava from the active Kilauea volcano since June
Residents who live in the lava's path have been packing up their valuables and getting out of the way
But when it cuts through the town's main road, many remaining residents won't be able to reach the only supermarket
Many businesses in the area have already closed or moved, but some are vowing to stay
By KHALEDA RAHMAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 08:16 GMT, 30 October 2014 | UPDATED: 13:20 GMT, 30 October 2014
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These incredible images show lava gradually inching towards homes in the small town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii.
When it reaches the town of about 950 residents and crosses the main road, it will split the community in half - leaving many unable to reach the only supermarket in the area.
Lava from a vent at Kilauea volcano, one of the earth's most active, has been sliding northeast toward the ocean since an eruption on June 27.
Locals say the molten rock is being spread by Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess.
'She is so gentle, but so unrelenting. She is just slow and steady,' said Jamila Dandini, a retiree who stopped at a coffee shop down the road from where scientists have forecast the lava will likely cross.
Last month, scientists said it was two weeks away from hitting the main road in Pahoa, which has about 950 residents. The lava slowed but has largely remained on course.
Scroll down for video
Red hot river: An aerial view of the lava flow over Cemetery Road and Apa'a Street near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
+34
Red hot river: An aerial view of the lava flow over Cemetery Road and Apa'a Street near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
The flow enters private property and approaches an earthen berm, pictured in the lower left corner, that the homeowner built in an attempt to divert the lava
+34
The flow enters private property and approaches an earthen berm, pictured in the lower left corner, that the homeowner built in an attempt to divert the lava
This aerial shot shows the lava approaching a residential property in Pahoa today, having destroyed trees and greenery in its path
+34
The homeowner's earthen berm, built to divert the lava, is dangerously close to being destroyed
+34
This aerial shot shows the lava approaching a residential property in Pahoa today, having destroyed trees and greenery in its path
The lava, which has been flowing since the eruption on June 27, has destroyed trees in its path and is heading towards Pahoa
+34
The lava, which has been flowing since the eruption on June 27, has destroyed trees in its path and is heading towards Pahoa
Molten trail: Lava spouts from a hot spot from Mt. Kilauea and is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, which has around 950 residents
+34
Molten trail: Lava spouts from a hot spot from Mt. Kilauea and is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, which has around 950 residents
Scientists of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory conducted ground and air observations of the lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano and determined that it was 510 meters (560 yards) upslope from Pahoa Village Road
+34
Scientists of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory conducted ground and air observations of the lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano and determined that it was 510 meters (560 yards) upslope from Pahoa Village Road
A breakout of lava burns fallen trees from the flow's first pass through the forest above Pahoa. The Kilauea volcano has been active since a fissure eruption in January 1983
+34
A breakout of lava burns fallen trees from the flow's first pass through the forest above Pahoa. The Kilauea volcano has been active since a fissure eruption in January 1983
The Kilauea volcano, which has been active since January 1983, attracts tourists who travel to Hawaii to watch red hot glowing lava flow into the Pacific Ocean
+34
The Kilauea volcano, which has been active since January 1983, attracts tourists who travel to Hawaii to watch red hot glowing lava flow into the Pacific Ocean
Diversion: Construction crews try divert lava from Mt. Kilauea from a home in Pahoa, where many residents have already fled
+34
Diversion: Construction crews try divert lava from Mt. Kilauea from a home in Pahoa, where many residents have already fled
'She is so gentle, but so unrelenting. She is just slow and steady': The volcano's lava has been edging closer to homes since June
+34
'She is so gentle, but so unrelenting. She is just slow and steady': The volcano's lava has been edging closer to homes since June
This dramatic aerial shot shows the unrelenting path of the lava as it destroys vegetation in its path and moves closer towards the town
+34
This dramatic aerial shot shows the unrelenting path of the lava as it destroys vegetation in its path and moves closer towards the town
Hawaii County civil defense officials said it was about 225 yards away from Pahoa Village Road yesterday evening, traveling about five to 10 yards an hour.
The slow pace has given residents time to pack their valuables and get out of the way.
But it has been agonizing for those wondering whether the lava might change directions and head for them - and stressful for those trying to figure out how they will cope once the lava blocks the only roads in and out of town.
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Once the lava crosses the road and the bypass road, effectively slicing Pahoa in half, most residents won't be able to get to the area's only supermarket even though it's only a mile from the town center.
The rural, mostly agricultural community of Puna, for which Pahoa is its commercial center, will be cut off even more if the lava makes it all the way to the ocean, some six miles away.
Some businesses are closing or moving. Some are vowing to stay.
Ms Dandini likened the impending isolation to being on 'an island on an island.'
She predicted it would be an opportunity for people to work together to solve their problems.
Construction crews prepare Pahoa Village Road as lava flow from Mt Kilauea approaches. 'It's like slow torture,' said Paul Utes, who owns a cafe in the town
+34
Construction crews prepare Pahoa Village Road as lava flow from Mt Kilauea approaches. 'It's like slow torture,' said Paul Utes, who owns a cafe in the town
The lava has been moving at varying speeds for four months. Observations determined it was 510 meters from Pahoa Village Road
+34
The lava has been moving at varying speeds for four months. Observations determined it was 510 meters from Pahoa Village Road
Paul Utes, who owns the Black Rock Cafe, said: 'It's like slow torture. It speeds up, it slows down. It speeds up, it slows down.
'It's not like any other event where it comes and goes and it gets over with and you can move on.'
Mr Utes' restaurant is not in the predicted path even though it's just a few hundred yards south from where the lava will likely cross the main road.
But he worries this could change. Even if the cafe is spared, he doesn't know how traffic will be diverted once lava crosses the road, how his vendors will supply his restaurant and what the public — his customers — will do.
The county bus no longer passes through the Pahoa's main street, which is lined with wood buildings dating to the town's heyday as a lumber and sugar-plantation town
+34
The county bus no longer passes through the Pahoa's main street, which is lined with wood buildings dating to the town's heyday as a lumber and sugar-plantation town
This picture shows lava that has pushed through a fence marking a property boundary above the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
+34
This picture shows lava that has pushed through a fence marking a property boundary above the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
After weeks of slow, stop-and-go movement, a river of asphalt-black lava is less than the length of a football field from homes in Pahoa
+34
After weeks of slow, stop-and-go movement, a river of asphalt-black lava is less than the length of a football field from homes in Pahoa
Residents left behind in the town face an agonizing wait to see if the lava will change direction and head for their homes
+34
Residents left behind in the town face an agonizing wait to see if the lava will change direction and head for their homes
Smoke rises from the black lava flow, which has attracted tourists from outside Hawaii who have been streaming into town hoping to get a glimpse of the molten rock
+34
Smoke rises from the black lava flow, which has attracted tourists from outside Hawaii who have been streaming into town hoping to get a glimpse of the molten rock
The slow-moving river of molten lava crept over residential and farm property on Hawaii's Big Island on Wednesday after incinerating an outbuilding
+34
The slow-moving river of molten lava crept over residential and farm property on Hawaii's Big Island on Wednesday after incinerating an outbuilding
Construction crews battle to divert the lava, which has already destroyed a building on a residential farm property
+34
Construction crews battle to divert the lava, which has already destroyed a building on a residential farm property
The lava has already had a huge effect and once it seeps into town, most residents won't be able to reach the area's only supermarket
+34
The lava has already had a huge effect and once it seeps into town, most residents won't be able to reach the area's only supermarket
For the time being, business is up because more people from around the island and tourists from outside Hawaii have been streaming into town hoping to get a glimpse of the molten rock.
'The anxiety building up is kind of hard to deal with,' he said.
Some changes brought by lava are already starting to have an effect.
The county bus no longer passes through the main street lined with wood buildings dating to the town's heyday as a lumber and sugar-plantation town.
So Ms Dandini has to walk into town from where the bus drops her off on the outskirts.
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist maps the margin of the June 27th lava flow in the open field below Apa'a Street and Cemetery Road this week
+34
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist maps the margin of the June 27th lava flow in the open field below Apa'a Street and Cemetery Road this week
A portion of the front of the June 27th lava flow burns through thick vegetation and a fence in Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
A portion of the front of the June 27th lava flow burns through thick vegetation and a fence in Pahoa, Hawaii
Some people, she said, have been discussing pooling their resources for supply runs to Hilo, the nearest city, because it could take hours to get there on alternate routes once Pahoa's main roads are cut off.
So far, lava has burned a garden shed, tires and some metal materials.
Dozens of homes, business and other structures are in the area of the lava flow. That number could increase as the flow front widens.
Erbin Gamurot, 48, a handyman, said Pele just wants to visit her sister, Namakaokahai, the sea goddess.
'She's doing what she gotta do. That's her way, that's her nature. Who can stop her?' he asked.
Lava continues to creep slowly towards Hawaiian homes
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Jamila Dandini, who now has to walk into town, likened the impending isolation due to the lava as like being 'an island on an island'
+34
Jamila Dandini, who now has to walk into town, likened the impending isolation due to the lava as like being 'an island on an island'
Burning path: As the trail approaches, some businesses have closed or moved, but some are vowing to stay
+34
Burning path: As the trail approaches, some businesses have closed or moved, but some are vowing to stay
The rural, mostly agricultural community of Puna, for which Pahoa is its commercial center, will be cut off even more if the lava makes it all the way to the ocean
+34
The rural, mostly agricultural community of Puna, for which Pahoa is its commercial center, will be cut off even more if the lava makes it all the way to the ocean
A palm tree is surrounded by lava as it advances across the grassy pasture below the Pahoa cemetery
+34
Smoke rises as a lava flow from Mt Kilauea approaches the village of Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
Left, a palm tree is surrounded by lava as it advances across the grassy pasture below the Pahoa cemetery and right, smoke from the volcano can be seen approaching the village of Pahoa
Burning debris and ruined vehicles can be seen in the lava flow from Mount Kilauea that is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
Burning debris and ruined vehicles can be seen in the lava flow from Mount Kilauea that is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, Hawaii
Police block traffic on Wednesday, where officials expect lava to flow across the main road in Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
Police block traffic on Wednesday, where officials expect lava to flow across the main road in Pahoa, Hawaii
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2813781/Hawaii-lava-flow-slow-gentle-unrelenting.html#ixzz3Hdl860el
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Incredible aerial shots show Hawaiian lava trail which threatens to cut town in half
Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii has been bracing itself for lava from the active Kilauea volcano since June
Residents who live in the lava's path have been packing up their valuables and getting out of the way
But when it cuts through the town's main road, many remaining residents won't be able to reach the only supermarket
Many businesses in the area have already closed or moved, but some are vowing to stay
By KHALEDA RAHMAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 08:16 GMT, 30 October 2014 | UPDATED: 13:20 GMT, 30 October 2014
15
shares
1
View comments
These incredible images show lava gradually inching towards homes in the small town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii.
When it reaches the town of about 950 residents and crosses the main road, it will split the community in half - leaving many unable to reach the only supermarket in the area.
Lava from a vent at Kilauea volcano, one of the earth's most active, has been sliding northeast toward the ocean since an eruption on June 27.
Locals say the molten rock is being spread by Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess.
'She is so gentle, but so unrelenting. She is just slow and steady,' said Jamila Dandini, a retiree who stopped at a coffee shop down the road from where scientists have forecast the lava will likely cross.
Last month, scientists said it was two weeks away from hitting the main road in Pahoa, which has about 950 residents. The lava slowed but has largely remained on course.
Scroll down for video
Red hot river: An aerial view of the lava flow over Cemetery Road and Apa'a Street near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
+34
Red hot river: An aerial view of the lava flow over Cemetery Road and Apa'a Street near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
The flow enters private property and approaches an earthen berm, pictured in the lower left corner, that the homeowner built in an attempt to divert the lava
+34
The flow enters private property and approaches an earthen berm, pictured in the lower left corner, that the homeowner built in an attempt to divert the lava
This aerial shot shows the lava approaching a residential property in Pahoa today, having destroyed trees and greenery in its path
+34
The homeowner's earthen berm, built to divert the lava, is dangerously close to being destroyed
+34
This aerial shot shows the lava approaching a residential property in Pahoa today, having destroyed trees and greenery in its path
The lava, which has been flowing since the eruption on June 27, has destroyed trees in its path and is heading towards Pahoa
+34
The lava, which has been flowing since the eruption on June 27, has destroyed trees in its path and is heading towards Pahoa
Molten trail: Lava spouts from a hot spot from Mt. Kilauea and is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, which has around 950 residents
+34
Molten trail: Lava spouts from a hot spot from Mt. Kilauea and is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, which has around 950 residents
Scientists of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory conducted ground and air observations of the lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano and determined that it was 510 meters (560 yards) upslope from Pahoa Village Road
+34
Scientists of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory conducted ground and air observations of the lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano and determined that it was 510 meters (560 yards) upslope from Pahoa Village Road
A breakout of lava burns fallen trees from the flow's first pass through the forest above Pahoa. The Kilauea volcano has been active since a fissure eruption in January 1983
+34
A breakout of lava burns fallen trees from the flow's first pass through the forest above Pahoa. The Kilauea volcano has been active since a fissure eruption in January 1983
The Kilauea volcano, which has been active since January 1983, attracts tourists who travel to Hawaii to watch red hot glowing lava flow into the Pacific Ocean
+34
The Kilauea volcano, which has been active since January 1983, attracts tourists who travel to Hawaii to watch red hot glowing lava flow into the Pacific Ocean
Diversion: Construction crews try divert lava from Mt. Kilauea from a home in Pahoa, where many residents have already fled
+34
Diversion: Construction crews try divert lava from Mt. Kilauea from a home in Pahoa, where many residents have already fled
'She is so gentle, but so unrelenting. She is just slow and steady': The volcano's lava has been edging closer to homes since June
+34
'She is so gentle, but so unrelenting. She is just slow and steady': The volcano's lava has been edging closer to homes since June
This dramatic aerial shot shows the unrelenting path of the lava as it destroys vegetation in its path and moves closer towards the town
+34
This dramatic aerial shot shows the unrelenting path of the lava as it destroys vegetation in its path and moves closer towards the town
Hawaii County civil defense officials said it was about 225 yards away from Pahoa Village Road yesterday evening, traveling about five to 10 yards an hour.
The slow pace has given residents time to pack their valuables and get out of the way.
But it has been agonizing for those wondering whether the lava might change directions and head for them - and stressful for those trying to figure out how they will cope once the lava blocks the only roads in and out of town.
RELATED ARTICLES
Previous
1
Next
Lightning really does strike twice! Storm chasing...
Incredible mountain views, outdoor hot tubs, wine cellars...
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Share
Once the lava crosses the road and the bypass road, effectively slicing Pahoa in half, most residents won't be able to get to the area's only supermarket even though it's only a mile from the town center.
The rural, mostly agricultural community of Puna, for which Pahoa is its commercial center, will be cut off even more if the lava makes it all the way to the ocean, some six miles away.
Some businesses are closing or moving. Some are vowing to stay.
Ms Dandini likened the impending isolation to being on 'an island on an island.'
She predicted it would be an opportunity for people to work together to solve their problems.
Construction crews prepare Pahoa Village Road as lava flow from Mt Kilauea approaches. 'It's like slow torture,' said Paul Utes, who owns a cafe in the town
+34
Construction crews prepare Pahoa Village Road as lava flow from Mt Kilauea approaches. 'It's like slow torture,' said Paul Utes, who owns a cafe in the town
The lava has been moving at varying speeds for four months. Observations determined it was 510 meters from Pahoa Village Road
+34
The lava has been moving at varying speeds for four months. Observations determined it was 510 meters from Pahoa Village Road
Paul Utes, who owns the Black Rock Cafe, said: 'It's like slow torture. It speeds up, it slows down. It speeds up, it slows down.
'It's not like any other event where it comes and goes and it gets over with and you can move on.'
Mr Utes' restaurant is not in the predicted path even though it's just a few hundred yards south from where the lava will likely cross the main road.
But he worries this could change. Even if the cafe is spared, he doesn't know how traffic will be diverted once lava crosses the road, how his vendors will supply his restaurant and what the public — his customers — will do.
The county bus no longer passes through the Pahoa's main street, which is lined with wood buildings dating to the town's heyday as a lumber and sugar-plantation town
+34
The county bus no longer passes through the Pahoa's main street, which is lined with wood buildings dating to the town's heyday as a lumber and sugar-plantation town
This picture shows lava that has pushed through a fence marking a property boundary above the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
+34
This picture shows lava that has pushed through a fence marking a property boundary above the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii
After weeks of slow, stop-and-go movement, a river of asphalt-black lava is less than the length of a football field from homes in Pahoa
+34
After weeks of slow, stop-and-go movement, a river of asphalt-black lava is less than the length of a football field from homes in Pahoa
Residents left behind in the town face an agonizing wait to see if the lava will change direction and head for their homes
+34
Residents left behind in the town face an agonizing wait to see if the lava will change direction and head for their homes
Smoke rises from the black lava flow, which has attracted tourists from outside Hawaii who have been streaming into town hoping to get a glimpse of the molten rock
+34
Smoke rises from the black lava flow, which has attracted tourists from outside Hawaii who have been streaming into town hoping to get a glimpse of the molten rock
The slow-moving river of molten lava crept over residential and farm property on Hawaii's Big Island on Wednesday after incinerating an outbuilding
+34
The slow-moving river of molten lava crept over residential and farm property on Hawaii's Big Island on Wednesday after incinerating an outbuilding
Construction crews battle to divert the lava, which has already destroyed a building on a residential farm property
+34
Construction crews battle to divert the lava, which has already destroyed a building on a residential farm property
The lava has already had a huge effect and once it seeps into town, most residents won't be able to reach the area's only supermarket
+34
The lava has already had a huge effect and once it seeps into town, most residents won't be able to reach the area's only supermarket
For the time being, business is up because more people from around the island and tourists from outside Hawaii have been streaming into town hoping to get a glimpse of the molten rock.
'The anxiety building up is kind of hard to deal with,' he said.
Some changes brought by lava are already starting to have an effect.
The county bus no longer passes through the main street lined with wood buildings dating to the town's heyday as a lumber and sugar-plantation town.
So Ms Dandini has to walk into town from where the bus drops her off on the outskirts.
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist maps the margin of the June 27th lava flow in the open field below Apa'a Street and Cemetery Road this week
+34
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist maps the margin of the June 27th lava flow in the open field below Apa'a Street and Cemetery Road this week
A portion of the front of the June 27th lava flow burns through thick vegetation and a fence in Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
A portion of the front of the June 27th lava flow burns through thick vegetation and a fence in Pahoa, Hawaii
Some people, she said, have been discussing pooling their resources for supply runs to Hilo, the nearest city, because it could take hours to get there on alternate routes once Pahoa's main roads are cut off.
So far, lava has burned a garden shed, tires and some metal materials.
Dozens of homes, business and other structures are in the area of the lava flow. That number could increase as the flow front widens.
Erbin Gamurot, 48, a handyman, said Pele just wants to visit her sister, Namakaokahai, the sea goddess.
'She's doing what she gotta do. That's her way, that's her nature. Who can stop her?' he asked.
Lava continues to creep slowly towards Hawaiian homes
more videos
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Watch video Scared stiff. Dog plays dead when man he hates picks him up
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Jamila Dandini, who now has to walk into town, likened the impending isolation due to the lava as like being 'an island on an island'
+34
Jamila Dandini, who now has to walk into town, likened the impending isolation due to the lava as like being 'an island on an island'
Burning path: As the trail approaches, some businesses have closed or moved, but some are vowing to stay
+34
Burning path: As the trail approaches, some businesses have closed or moved, but some are vowing to stay
The rural, mostly agricultural community of Puna, for which Pahoa is its commercial center, will be cut off even more if the lava makes it all the way to the ocean
+34
The rural, mostly agricultural community of Puna, for which Pahoa is its commercial center, will be cut off even more if the lava makes it all the way to the ocean
A palm tree is surrounded by lava as it advances across the grassy pasture below the Pahoa cemetery
+34
Smoke rises as a lava flow from Mt Kilauea approaches the village of Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
Left, a palm tree is surrounded by lava as it advances across the grassy pasture below the Pahoa cemetery and right, smoke from the volcano can be seen approaching the village of Pahoa
Burning debris and ruined vehicles can be seen in the lava flow from Mount Kilauea that is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
Burning debris and ruined vehicles can be seen in the lava flow from Mount Kilauea that is inching closer to the village of Pahoa, Hawaii
Police block traffic on Wednesday, where officials expect lava to flow across the main road in Pahoa, Hawaii
+34
Police block traffic on Wednesday, where officials expect lava to flow across the main road in Pahoa, Hawaii
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2813781/Hawaii-lava-flow-slow-gentle-unrelenting.html#ixzz3Hdl860el
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