La lave a quelque peu ralenti sa course mais elle continue à avancer en direction de Pahoa. Hier jeudi, le front de coulée se trouvait à environ 1150 mètres du Market Place. La lave a parcouru environ 150 mètres depuis mercredi. Elle progresse actuellement sur un terrain moins pentu, ce qui explique probablement son ralentissement. La Protection Civile estime qu’elle pourrait atteindre le petit centre commercial d’ici 6 jours, mais que « la situation pourrait changer ».
Les autorités locales prévoient de couper l’électricité du centre commercial 3 jours avant l’arrivée de la lave. La station service a vidé les cuves de carburant et finira leur nettoyage complet vendredi.
Si la lave traverse la Route 130, toute une partie de la Grande Ile se trouvera isolée. Reste à savoir si les nombreuses offrandes faites à Pele suffiront pour arrêter la progression de la lave.
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Lava has slowed slightly as it is still advancing toward Pahoa. The flow front was about 1150 metres away from the edge of Pahoa Marketplace on Thursday. The flow advanced about 150 metres from the previous day. The lava is crossing flatter terrain which may have partly caused the slackening. Civil Defence confirms it could hit the marketplace in six days, but also that “this could change”.
Local authorities plan to cut off the market’s electricity three days before the lava is expected to hit. The gas station has removed the gasoline from its tanks and will finish removing sludge and vapours by Friday.
If lava crosses Highway 130, it will make it difficult for residents in the area to access other parts of the island. Will the numerous offerings to Pele be sufficient to stop lava from moving forward?
(Photo: C. Grandpey)
Claude Grandpey : Volcans et Glaciers 