Hawaii Calls In National Guard as River of Lava Creeps Onward

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A delegation of 83 National Guard troops headed to Hawaii on Thursday to provide security for the Big Island community of Pahoa as a stream of lava from the Kilauea volcano continues to creep toward the small town.

Though the lava is traveling at less than 5 yd. per hour and has been approaching for the past several weeks, residents fear that looters will raid evacuated houses. Residents of about 50 houses in what officials are calling “a corridor of risk” have been told to be ready to leave, according to Reuters.

The Kilauea volcano has erupted persistently since 1983 from its Pu’u O’o vent. The latest flow of lava started on June 27.

[Reuters]

Photos: Witness Molten Lava Destruction from Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano

Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
Lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano moves along the ground in Pahoa, Hawaii on Oct. 28, 2014.Andrew Hara—Getty Images
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
Construction crews try to divert lava from Kilauea Volcano near a home in the village of Pahoa, Hawaii on Oct. 29, 2014. Marco Garcia—Reuters
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
The lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano is seen crossing Apa'a Street/Cemetery Road near the village of Pahoa, Hawaii on Oct. 25, 2014. US Geological Survey—Reuters
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
The lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano burns vegetation as it approaches a property boundary near the village of Pahoa, Hawaii, on Oct. 28, 2014. US Geological Survey—Reuters
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
The lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano burns vegetation as it approaches a property boundary near the village of Pahoa, Hawaii on Oct. 26, 2014. US Geological Survey—AFP/Getty Images
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
Lava spouts from a hot spot as the lava flow from Kilauea Volcano inches closer to the village of Pahoa, Hawaii on Oct. 29, 2014. Marco Garcia—Reuters
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
Lava from Kilauea Volcano threatens the town of Pahoa, Hawaii on Oct. 29, 2014. Bruce Omori—EPA
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
Smoke rises from the lava flow from Kilauea Volcano as it inches closer to the village of Pahoa, Hawaii on Oct. 29, 2014. Marco Garcia—Reuters
Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Lava
Smoke rises from the Pu'u O'o vent on the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii on Oct. 29, 2014.Marco Garcia—Reuters

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