Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts, residents not in danger

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) detected a glow in the Kilauea summit at approximately 3.20 p.m. on Wednesday, indicating that an eruption commenced within the Halema'uma'u crater in Kilauea's summit caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Kilauea's eruption continues through the night," the USGS tweeted on Thursday morning, adding that "activity is still confined to a crater that is within the closed area of Kilauea's summit".

HVO reported that Kilauea's volcano alert level changed from an orange 'Watch' to a red 'Warning'.

Cyrus Johnasen, Hawaii County spokesperson, told the local TV station KHON2 that people near the park should "proceed with caution. folks with heavy breathing, respiratory issues, stay far away as possible".

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu, volcanic glass was observed near the Halema'uma'u crater by pilots in the area.

Volcanic glass, the amorphous product of rapidly cooling magma like all types of glass, will remain in the area around the crater during the eruption.

The NWS Honolulu advised residents and visitors to minimize their exposure to volcanic emissions.

Kilauea volcano had a major eruption in 2018 that destroyed homes and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate.