Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano releases lava into a residential area after days of earthquakes, and the county has ordered evacuations.

Lava has reached the surface of Leilani Estates.

Residents from Luana Street to the end of Leilani Estates are being asked to evacuate, Hawaii County Civil Defense confirms.

Heavy smoke and spewing ash is visible throughout the neighborhood.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for affected residents at Pahoa Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale Street.

Civil Defense is on high alert on a 24-hour basis due to what is now a volcanic eruption in the lower Puna area.

Officials say all areas bordering the East Rift Zone, from Puu Oo crater down to Kapoho, are at high risk for eruption activities. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has identified magma movement in the lower East Rift Zone.

Volcanic activities can take place with little or no warning. Hazards include lava inundation, fire, smoke, methane gas explosion, earthquakes, and poor air quality.

Residents of high-risk areas are urged to prepare an emergency plan, and report any unusual events to Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031. If you need special assistance, call (808) 935-0031.

Hawaii County Civil Defense is working in close coordination with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The entire county emergency response team has been activated.

Stay with KRON4 for updates on this breaking news story on-air, online, and on the KRON4 app.

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