Hawaii prepares for possible volcano eruption

The island of Hawaii is preparing for the possible eruption of the world's largest active volcano. The increase in tremors recorded at the summit of Mauna Loa , which occupies half of the Big Island of Hawaii, makes specialists think about a probable eruption.

The island authorities warned the residents of the Big Island that Mauna Loa, the volcano in question, is sending warnings of an early eruption and although scientists do not believe that this situation is imminent, they are on alert due to the recent increase in earthquakes at the top of the volcano. Experts consider that the lava would take only a few hours to reach the nearest houses; this volcano last erupted in 1984.

The authorities are already disseminating preventive measures among the population

The island's Civil Defense agency has already started organizing informative meetings to explain to its citizens how to prepare for a possible emergency situation . They recommend having a travel bag of food ready, identifying safe places to shelter once you leave your homes, and making plans to reunite with family members.

“It's not to scare everyone, but they have to be aware that they live on the slopes of Mauna Loa. There is a possibility that the lava could cause some kind of disaster,” Talmadge Magno, administrator for Civil Defense in Hawaii County, announced in a statement. The volcano covers 51% of the surface of the largest island in the archipelago, so a good part of it is at risk of being affected by an eruption, Magno added.

The USGS (US Geological Survey) speaks of “intensified concern” in the Mauna Loa volcano

In recent decades, the Big Island has experienced a wave of development and urbanization that has led to its population doubling, from 92,000 inhabitants in 1980 to 200,000 today.

In fact, many new residents weren't around when Mauna Loa last erupted 38 years ago. All the more reason, Magno said officials are spreading information about the volcano and urging people to be prepared.