People near Hawaii's Kilauea volcano are being warned to take cover after an explosive eruption at its summit.
A steam plume rises as lava enters the Pacific Ocean, after flowing to the water from a Kilauea volcano fissure. Photo: AFP
Lava has been flowing for a month on the Big Island and it's now reshaping the coastline as it spills out to sea.
Hawaii Civil Defense reported the latest eruption caused a thick ash plume to rise 3000m above sea level.
The defense said communities downwind were highly likely to experience intense ash fall and volcanic gas emissions.
Locals were being warned to stay indoors with the windows closed as lava haze can cause lung damage as well as eye and skin irritations.
Drivers were also being cautioned to take extra care.
Lava has swamped the island's largest lake as well as the areas of Vacationland and Kapoho Bay.
Hundreds of homes have been destroyed since the volcano began erupting a month ago and shelters are starting to reach capacity.
