'Firehose' lava stream explodes as it gushes into ocean in Hawaii
Visitors to the area are being warned not to go too close over fears of a further collapse
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Video has captured a stream of molten lava shooting out from a cliff in Hawaii, which explodes as it splashes into the Pacific Ocean.
The dramatic “firehose” flow, which stems from the Kilauea shield volcano on the south-east side of the Big Island.
Lava flows were first exposed after a 26-acre delta collapsed on New Year's Eve, leading to the stream, which continues to spill out into the ocean.
The "firehose" was given its name as it shoots lava out from the souce. Starting out as a light drizzle, the stream has recently intensified, causing bigger explosions as it hits the water.
Staff from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are urging visitors not to venture out too close to the area affected.
Collapses can happen at any time in prone areas like this, and despite warning people are still reportedly crossing the boundaries to get a close look at the cliffs.
A major concern is that a "hot crack" above the firehose could threaten surrounding land to further collapse.
"The seaward side of that crack could fall away," said geologist Janet Babb, who works at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory.
"That is of great concern because if it does, it's going to drop a lot of hot rock into the water and hot rock mixing with cool seawater makes for explosive interactions."
The Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, and the most recent spill has been a continuous threat for months.
"There's no indication of it slowing down or stopping," Ms Babb said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments