Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts

At 2:30 a.m. local time on December 23, Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano suddenly erupted, sending lava rushing out of the crater, which was temporarily confined to the caldera area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but its subsequent impacts were felt beyond its boundaries. Sulfur dioxide and other harmful gases released by the eruption pose a threat to the health of residents in the surrounding area and downwind of the volcano, potentially causing respiratory illnesses, as well as acid rain, which can damage the ecosystem. The falling ash covers the vegetation, affecting plant photosynthesis and leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem; cracks appear on the surrounding roads, some buildings are damaged, and residents are forced to evacuate, causing great disruption to their normal lives. In addition, volcanic activity may trigger changes in sea water temperature and ocean acidification, jeopardizing the survival of marine life.