bob@uhmanoa.UUCP (Bob Cunningham) (12/30/87)
Kilauea volcano claimed another home early yesterday morning as slowly creeping lava reached out and consumed one of the two homes it had been threatening for almost two weeks. Buddy Roberts' home became the 58th destroyed since the current eruption began on Jan 3, 1983. Fourteen homes have been destroyed this year. Buddy's father's home nearby was destroyed last year. The flow first began winding its way towards the homesteads on Dec. 16th after crossing what was once the Kalapana Bypass Highway. Hawaii Volcano Observatory scientists are also taking a closer look at the Pu'u O'o vent, which has been the site of increased tremors. A flyover of the vent yesterday revealed several new cracks, but no lava. The cone appears to be slumping. The venting is continuing only at the ponding area. There have also been minor outbreaks of lava in the Royal Gardens subdivision in areas previously covered by lava. Meanwhile, lava continues to flow into the sea along the eastern boundary of the Volcanos National Park, adding a little more land to the Big Island of Hawaii. About 45 acres have been added to the island during the current eruption. -- Bob Cunningham bob@loihi.hig.hawaii.edu