Officials on Hawaii’s Big Island are warning residents near volcano Mauna Loa to prepare for possible evacuation
There has been intense seismic activity at the world’s largest active volcano.
Scientists don’t believe an eruption is imminent but dozens of quakes have been recorded.
Hawaii’s civil defense agency is holding talks with residents about having plans to relocate quickly if needed.
The volcano last erupted in 1984.
“Not to panic everybody, but they have to be aware there’s a potential for some kind of lava disaster,” said Talmadge Magno, administrator for Hawaii County Civil Defense.
The volcano covers 51% of the Hawaii island landmass, Magno said.
The much smaller Kilauea Volcano erupted in 2018 and destroyed 700 homes.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted Mauna Loa’s ‘heightened unrest’ since mid-September.
