While the lava is still just under a mile away, the emergency needed to be declared because it will give residents sufficient time to move their possessions if it should actually get close enough to threaten their homes. The residents are being advised to make detailed plans about leaving if necessary.
Although the lava flow from the volcano is moving slowly, it still is moving at about 820 feet (250 meters) per day. At this rate, it could reach the homes within five to seven days. Because of the rather rough terrain, it is difficult for scientists to say exactly when it could reach their homes.
The state of emergency enables extra services to be made available. Civil Defense employees are going to homes to explain what is happening and what they need to do.
Volcanoes certainly are a serious matter to any community living near them. Have you noticed how many are active right now?
* * * * * * *
http://earthsky.org/earth/state-of-emergency-issued-for-hawaiis-kilauea-volcano
* * * * * * *
Keywords: Kilauea, volcano, Hawaii, lava, threat, emergency, Kenoi
* * * * * * *
Photo Credit: Unchanged; by Ryk Neethling at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rykneethling/5811680700/sizes/s/