Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on the planet and has erupted for the first time in almost 40 years. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, lava has flowed over the edge of the summit’s caldera on the northeast side of the mountain. While the lava is currently posing no threat to the surrounding communities, the American Red Cross has been responding by providing shelter to those in need.
The eruption began on Sunday, November 27th around 11:30pm. Shelters were opened at the Old Kona Airport and the Ka’u District Gym in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteers have been coordinating and working with local churches, charity organizations and the local government to best prepare and provide for the community.
UPDATE: Both shelters were closed as of Tuesday, November 29th at noon. The Red Cross continues to monitor the situation and stands ready should any additional assistance be needed.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please click, text or call to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to help people affected by disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/hawaii, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Every single donation brings hope to those in need. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
If you would like to give the gift of your time and experience, we invite you to join us as a Red Cross volunteer. Find out more about the roles available by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.
STAY IN TOUCH
You can download the free Red Cross Emergency App at redcross.org/apps to receive emergency alerts as well as locations of shelters. Users can also find the app in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross.
STAY SAFE
Important Red Cross volcano safety information is available here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/hawaii or visit us on Twitter at @HawaiiRedCross.