Incredible footage shows colossal steam clouds rising from the ocean in Hawaii after lava flows from the Kilauea volcano entered the sea at Kapoho Bay.
Lava inundated the bay near Hawaii Island’s eastern tip on Monday night, causing giant plumes of acidic fumes, known as ‘laze,’ to billow from the ocean. Mesmerizing video captured by a US Geological Survey helicopter shows the shallow bay rapidly filling in with cooling lava.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency has issued an evacuation order for residents in the area, as the acidic fumes can prove fatal if inhaled.
Laze is formed when hot lava impacts with the ocean, which sends hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air. Any contact with laze plumes can cause serious irritation to the lungs, eyes and skin.
The Kilauea volcano erupted on May 3, and, as of yet, there is no indication as to when the explosive eruptions might end.