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VIDEO: Kilauea spews sheets of lava during 55th eruptive episode

FOX Weather • October 17, 2026 • science

Key Points:

Kilauea volcano in Hawaii began its 55th eruptive episode early Saturday morning, following a two-month pause since the last eruption ended on August 25, 2025.
The recent volcanic unrest, including nearly 100 earthquakes and a shallow magma intrusion beneath Halemaʻumaʻu crater, has made eruption timing unpredictable for scientists.
Lava fountains have reached heights of 250 feet, feeding a broad sheet of lava into the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, according to USGS observers.
Volcanic gases and Pele's hair released during eruptions pose health risks, especially to sensitive populations, leading to temporary closures of trails in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Kilauea's eruptive episodes were previously more regular, driven by magma accumulating and releasing pressure beneath the crater, but recent seismic activity and new cracks may have caused the longest pause between eruptions.

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