The Hawaii Volcano Observatory said the explosion within Kilauea's Halemaumau crater -- the biggest since the volcano became more active on May 3 -- had produced a volcanic cloud that reached as high as 30,000 feet (9,000 meters) and was drifting downwind to the northeast. "Not your average wake-up call at the Kilauea Volcano summit," the US Geological Survey said of the 4:17 am (local time) blast that lasted a few minutes. The Observatory said residents living along the path of the ash plume should take shelter, and maintained a code red aviation alert signaled on Tuesday, meaning no air traffic was permitted in the area. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and one of five on Hawaii's Big Island. Kevin Kushel, a resident of the island, told AFP that Thursday's plume of smoke could be seen miles away.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 18, 2018 01:30 UTC