Table 3 Table summarising basaltic lava flow events at Mauna Loa Volcano that have threatened inhabited areas since 1950
Eruption (References) | Overview, including impacts (Eruption duration) | Response | Recovery & Applying lessons learned |
|---|---|---|---|
1950 (1, 2, 5, 6) | This three-week, central caldera and southwest rift zone eruption had a rapid onset and created eight lava flows. Three of the flows reached the ocean, with one entering the sea within 3 h. Advancing at 9 km/hr., the flows caused forest fires and inundated roads (including the circum-island highway) and a town. Other towns were threatened. There were no casualties. The total volume of lava erupted was 3.76 × 108 m3. (3 weeks) | The rapid pace of this eruption meant that response actions focused on evacuating people. | Not reported on. |
1984 (3, 4) | Lava flows from the caldera and eastern rift zone advanced towards the town of Hilo. The flow’s advancement slowed when reaching shallow slopes and halted 7 km from town. (3 weeks) | No mitigation was undertaken although discussions were held about circumstances that would prompt such measures. | No physical damage to recover from. |