Rabu 29 Oct 2014 02:25 WIB

After weeks of watching, Hawaii lava nears home

Red: Yeyen Rostiyani
A Hawaii Volcano Observatory geologist standing on a partly cooled section of lava flow near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii on Oct 25, 2014.
Foto: AP/US Geological Survey
A Hawaii Volcano Observatory geologist standing on a partly cooled section of lava flow near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii on Oct 25, 2014.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, HONOLULU - A river of asphalt-black lava was within yards of a home in a Big Island community on Tuesday, after weeks of slow, stop-and-go movement. The lava crackled and smoked as it advanced toward the two-story structure in Pahoa Village, smothering an expanse of vegetation.

Residents of the small town have had weeks to prepare for what's been described as a slow-motion disaster. Most have either already left or are prepared to go when necessary. County officials are making arrangements for those living in the lava's path to be able to watch the lava destroy their homes as a means of closure.

"You can only imagine the frustration as well as ... despair they're going through," Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said.

The lava was about 70 yards (64 meters) from a home Monday evening, officials said. County officials have warned those with respiratory problems to stay indoors because of the smoke.