UPDATE (Express) – Kilauea has reawakened, and the new eruption could last for years, an expert has said, after the Hawaiian volcano burst into life yesterday.

Professor David Rothery was speaking after the United States Geological Survey (USGS)’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirmed details of a glow within Halemaumau crater at Kilauea’s summit, indicating an eruption was underway. Kilauea has been quiet since 2018 when an eruptive phase which began in March and lasted until August caused considerable damage in the south-east corner of Hawaii’s Big Island,

destroying almost 700 homes and leaving thousands homeless. Asked whether it was reasonable to conclude that a new phase of activity was underway, Prof Rothery, Prof of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University, told Express.co.uk: “Self-evidently yes.

“It is being well monitored by HVO, and people should listen to what they say. “The eruption could be over in a day or go on for years. “If lava breaks out on the flanks the potential for the flows to cause damage depends on what lies downhill from the newly active vent. “HVO is in constant communication with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as this situation evolves. READ MORE