Published • loading... • Updated
Kilauea’s Episode 55 Eruption Ends After Six Hours of Fountaining
Scientists said the eruption is episode 55 since Dec. 23, 2024, with lava fountains reaching 720 feet and a plume rising 25,000 feet.
- On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Kilauea volcano began its 55th eruptive episode at 3:19 a.m. inside Halemaumau crater, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, concluding abruptly at 9:03 a.m. after about six hours of continuous lava fountaining.
- The eruption followed an unusually long two-month pause since August 25, with scientists attributing the delay to shallow earthquake swarms in September and early October that opened new cracks in the caldera.
- Lava from the north vent shot about 720 feet into the air, while the eruption plume rose to around 25,000 feet above sea level. Observers reported tephra and volcanic glass, known as Pele's hair, falling in downwind areas.
- Following the eruption's end, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory officials lowered Kilauea's Volcano Alert Level from WATCH to ADVISORY and its Aviation Color Code from ORANGE to YELLOW. Officials warned volcanic gas emissions may remain hazardous downwind.
- While all lava remains confined to Halemaumau crater, scientists continue to monitor the volcano closely for further developments. Experts indicated fountaining is unlikely to return for the next few weeks despite ongoing volcanic gas hazards.
Insights by Ground AI
11 Articles
11 Articles
High lava fountains return to Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii
Episode 55 in the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption began at 3:19 a.m. HST on Saturday, October 17th. High lava fountains continue within Halemaʻumaʻu crater as of 8 a.m., although a maximum fountain height of 720 feet (220 meters) was already reached three hours earlier. The fountain is being erupted from the north vent. All lava is confined to the summit crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The episode 55 lava fountain reached a higher…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Center
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources are Center
86% Center
C 86%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
