Hawaiian Lava Flow Spreads Sideways, Threatens To Wipe Out Town
PAHOA, Hawaii (CBS SF) -- Paradise remains in peril Sunday night in Hawaii as a lava flow spreads sideways and threatens to wipe out a town.
From a helicopter just 100-feet over the lava, smoke can be smelled and heat can be felt.
"It was really scary, but obviously she's making a warning," Hanalei Benn told KPIX 5's Betty Yu.
That 'she' Hanalei talks about is Pele, the goddess of the volcano. Many Hawaiians believe she's being merciful as the tip of the lava flow has stopped short of cutting the community of Pahoa in half.
"Whether it be the eruption of the volcano, the lava, the ocean, etcetera they respect everything. And, allowing nature to take its course is one way of respecting nature, the power of nature and not challenging it," Darryl Oliveira of the Hawaii County Civil Defense said.
Residents can only watch as the lava flow continues, and the waiting can be the hardest part.
"You're kind of telling her 'no, you need to get off my property,' and she's like 'hello – no this is mine'," Hanalei said.
One property owner in the lava's potential path has put up barriers to protect his home and divert the flow, but that has created tension in the community because it goes against Pele's wishes.