RAMON ALVARADO

Lava continues to spew after Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted Thursday, May 3, causing many residents and tourists to flee the area. Earthquakes have followed the eruption, leaving a molten mess on the Big Island of Hawaii.

After the eruption Thursday, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the island Friday, May 4. Since then, CNN reports there’s been “an average of one earthquake an hour.”

The grounds miles apart from the volcano’s summit cracked, leaving areas for molten rock to flow through. Whether the volcano eruption or the following earthquakes caused the cracks.

As of Monday, May 8 the Hawaii Civil Defense says that 35 structures, including 26 homes have been destroyed by the eruption lava.

All residents of the Leilani Estates and Lanipuma areas of Hawaii were ordered to evacuate hours after the eruption, though some were able to go back into their homes. Things aren’t 100% safe for them yet, however.

“Please be aware that because of unstable conditions that involve toxic gas, earthquakes and lava activities, lines of safety can change at any time,” Hawaii Civil Defense said. “You must be prepared to leave areas if required.”

Another concern for everyone in the area is the volcanic gases that have since flooded the air. The lava gives off sulfur dioxide, a gas that can be fatal once it reaches high levels.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family from the extremely dangerous volcanic gases is to leave the immediate area of the volcano defined by the police and fire department,” Hawaii’s Department of Health said in a released statement.

Despite the threat of sulfur dioxide in the air, the public schools on Big Island ran their usual schedule. Any students absent because of circumstances caused by the eruption were excused.

Some of the public school buildings had been damaged from the earthquakes, but the Hawaii State Department of Education found the schools to be safe.

There’s no telling how long the lava and molten rock will continue to spew out of the volcano summit and the surrounding area’s cracks in the ground. The American Red Cross has opened two shelters where the affected residents of Hawaii can stay while they wait for their homes to be safe from any threat.