Hawaii Volcano Destroys 26 Homes, Spews Lava More Than 60 Metres Into The Air

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The number of homes destroyed by lava shooting out of openings in the ground created by Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has climbed to at least 26, and five other structures have also been destroyed, authorities told CBS Honolulu affiliate KGMB-TV.

Lava has been spewing more than 200 feet in the air, scientists say. Some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated prepared for the possibility they may not return for quite some time.

"I have no idea how soon we can get back," said Todd Corrigan, who left his home in Leilani Estates with his wife Friday as lava burst through the ground three or four blocks from their home. They spent the night on the beach in their car and began looking for a vacation rental.


Hawaii County civil defense officials say ten fissures have opened since Thursday.

Scientists said Kilauea was likely to release more lava through additional vents, but they were unable to predict exactly where. Leilani Estates, a subdivision in the mostly rural district of Puna, is at greatest risk.