The people of Hawaii need your prayers today as the state deals with the fallout of a massive volcanic eruption. On Thursday evening, more than 1,700 Hawaii residents were ordered to evacuate their homes after the island’s Kilauea Volcano erupted, sending molten lava flooding through forest land and bubbling onto paved roads.
Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Prompting Mandatory Evacuations https://t.co/IE3CKvTcbu pic.twitter.com/9MZpkPTd6N
— FOX40 News (@FOX40) May 4, 2018
Kilauea volcano erupts on Hawaii's Big Island https://t.co/m4jWJtVhqU via @yahoophoto pic.twitter.com/JnmsNatPPV
— Yahoo News (@YahooNews) May 4, 2018
According to local outlet News 1130, officials were unable to estimate how long the eruption might last, prompting Hawaii’s governor to call in the National Guard to assist in evacuations and provide security to about 770 abandoned structures as residents sought shelter.
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As of Friday morning, there were no reports of injuries.
Thursday’s eruption follows a series of natural disasters that have swept across the island in recent weeks.
Just earlier this week, the Puu Oo crater floor began to collapse, initiating a series of earthquakes and pushing volcanic lava into new underground chambers. Multiple earthquakes struck the Puna district, causing several several roadways to crack amid ongoing seismic activity.
News 1130 reported that a magnitude 5.0 earthquake was recorded just hours before the eruption began Thursday.
Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse launched its first-ever relief effort in Hawaii last month after parts of Kauai experience major flooding, receiving nearly 50 inches of rain in a 24-hour period.
After Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard informed Samaritan’s Purse CEO Franklin Graham of the need, the pastor traveled there April 26 to view the damage firsthand.
“I’ve seen the tremendous amount of damage that families in Kauai are facing after torrential rain flooded hundreds of homes, triggered mudslides, and washed out roads,” Graham said. “We are here to share the love of Jesus Christ with families in need by helping them physically recover and reminding them that they are not alone.”
On May 2, the organization’s DC-8 aircraft arrived in Hawaii with volunteers and supplies to help homeowners affected by the severe flooding.
Our DC-8 aircraft is carrying our disaster relief team today along with a host of tools and supplies to help homeowners in Jesus’ Name on the island of Kauai in #Hawaii. https://t.co/uLUDqqU9wr pic.twitter.com/kjHv89dp5K
— Samaritan's Purse (@SamaritansPurse) May 2, 2018
“In partnership with community leaders, churches, and local volunteers, U.S. Disaster Relief is working in certain remote communities on the island of Kauai,” Samaritan’s Purse shared on its website.
With the recent inundation of natural disasters, help and prayers are needed more than ever. If you are a Hawaii resident and wish to help, click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities available locally.