An eruption began at Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Around 11:30 p.m. HST (10:30 a.m. UCT), an eruption fissure opened in the Moku’āweoweo summit caldera. Lava is erupting from it, flooding the floor of the caldera. The activity is so far limited to the summit caldera and does not pose a threat to residents. Nevertheless, the alert status has been raised to “red.” Volcanologists emphasize that winds may blow volcanic gases and possibly fine ash and Pele’s hair. Health authorities are in close contact with the HVO and close monitoring is being done to see if any health hazard develops for humans and animals. As early as October, residents were warned to prepare for evacuations if a volcanic eruption occurred at Mauna Loa. If cracks form on the volcano’s flanks, then there is danger to residents living near the volcano. Lava at Mauna Loa is usually thin and flows quickly.