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2018 Lower Puna Eruption
The 2018 Lower Puna eruption in Hawaii, a volcanic event that captured global attention
not only for its sheer intensity but also for its remarkable yet devastating impact, serves as a
reminder of nature's raw power and unpredictability. This eruption, which was intense and had
far-reaching consequences, is a crucial example for understanding the dynamics of volcanic
activity and its effects on nearby communities and ecosystems. Analyzing this event offers
valuable knowledge about the intricate relationship between geological processes and human
settlements, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and effective strategies in the face of
natural disasters.
Nature Journal describes the eruption of Kīleuea as it occurred in the lower East Rift
Zone of the Volcano, resulting in the release of about one cubic kilometer of lava. This volcanic
event stands as the most devastating in the last two centuries in Hawai'i, causing the destruction
of over 700 structures. ( MR Patrick et. al, 2020) The explosion had a lasting effect on the
region, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The shaking of the ground played a
significant role in the devastation, leading to residents' displacement and infrastructure damage.
The lava flows triggered liquefaction and landslides, worsening the destruction. The eruption had
financial, social, and environmental consequences, with rising costs of damage and injuries.
(Yang, 2021) Also, as highlighted in the ArcGIS map, it visually depicts and states how bad the
air was many months after due to the poisonous sulfur dioxide released into the air. Showing the
incredible power of volcanos to transform the environment, this ultimately had a profound social
impact on the displacement of residents. Toxic gasses were released, and natural habitats were
destroyed, requiring years of recovery. In addition to the challenges, with little support, the era
struggled to rebuild and faced prolonged difficulty in being able to move forward.
While the immediate impact of the eruption was devastating, it also brought to light the
need for comprehensive urban planning and land-use policies to mitigate the impact of natural
disasters. The eruption underscored the delicate balance between economic development and
environmental sustainability, particularly in volcanic-prone regions. The aftermath necessitated
reevaluating existing policies and practices to create more resilient communities. With this, the
scientific community delved into the understanding of the causes and consequences of the event.
Tina Neal, a scientist in charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, stated in the article "What Did
(And Didn't) Cause the Kīleuea Eruption" by Alice Kim that Kīleuea was already showing signs
weeks before magma surfaced in the Lower Puna and that the eruption was most likely caused by
the buildup of magmatic pressure at the volcano's summit, combined with a weakened rift zone.
(Neal 2019) This simple yet effective definition of the scientific analysis forms the basis for
future research and preparedness measures, highlighting the importance of the ongoing scientific
study to predict and mitigate volcanic eruptions. This spurred discussions about the next steps
going into what to do about preparedness and procedure.
The existing settlement patterns in Lower Puna were not adequately prepared for such a
catastrophic event. This raises various questions about the appropriateness of current zoning and
building regulations in areas with a history of volcanic activity. Should stricter building codes
ensure that structures can withstand the impact of volcanic eruptions? Should creating areas be
noted off or designated as no-build zones due to their proximity to active volcanic zones? These
critical questions demand careful consideration to strike the correct balance between economic
development and environmental safety. One argument for favoring stricter building codes and
land use policies is the potential to save many lives and reduce the financial burden of future
eruptions. The eruption in the Lower Puna resulted in significant economic losses, from the
destruction of homes and infrastructure to the cost associated with displacement and relocation
of residents. Implementing regulations prioritizing safety first within construction and settlement
planning could also mitigate these losses in the future. Requiring structures to withstand volcanic
activity would minimize the impact of future eruptions and reduce the rebuilding costs afterward.
Furthermore, the eruption also raised questions about the existing emergency plans. Were
the evacuation routes effective? Were residents adequately informed about the potential risk, and
did they have sufficient time to evacuate safely? These questions are important to consider when
thinking about future emergency management strategies. Investing in early warning systems,
community education, and efficient evacuation plans can significantly reduce the impact of any
eruptions down the road. This argument for comprehensive urban planning and effective
response strategies is allegiance to the concept of resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Resilience, in this context, refers to the ability of a community to absorb and recover from the
impact of a volcanic eruption efficiently. We need to have resilient communities that are better
equipped to protect lives, minimize economic losses, and restore normalcy more quickly. The
destruction caused by the lava flows, and the release of hazardous gasses have long-term
environmental consequences. The recovery of natural habitats and ecosystems may take years; in
some cases, irreversible damage could occur. Some parts of the island could not be used due to
how dangerous it could be. This comes into play with society's responsibility to protect not only
themselves but also the unique environment that they live in.
On the other hand, opponents of stringent regulations may argue that such measures
actually could disrupt the economic development in the region. Stricter building codes and land
use policies might deter investors and developers from looking into that area due to fear of the
additional costs and restrictions. An example comes from the Big Island Guide, a travel guide
website; it states that it is very difficult to get traditional mortgages and homeowners insurance
with the more active zones because of the known danger. However, the cost of living in those
areas is significantly less expensive, which leads to more people living in those areas. (Big Island
Guide, 2023) This argument highlights the situation at hand and focuses on the balance that is
struck between protecting communities and promoting economic growth. It calls for a nuanced
approach that can consider both parts of a resident's immediate safety and the region's long-term
economic viability. The argument is that there could be a sustainable environment and ecosystem
with careful planning and innovative design, as it is possible to coexist with nature without
causing irreparable harm. The thing is, having new strict land use policies will not only be about
protecting human lives and property but also about preserving the natural beauty and ecological
diversity of the volcanic regions while all pushing the agenda to further development and
economic growth.
In conclusion, the 2018 Lower Puna eruption is a powerful case study for understanding
the complexities of managing human settlement in volcanic-prone regions. The devastation
caused by the eruption highlights the need for comprehensive urban planning, robust land-use
policies, and effective emergency response strategies. Striking a balance between economic
development and environmental sustainability is challenging but imperative for creating resilient
communities. With exploring the eruption's aftermath, the scientific insights gained, and the
ongoing debates regarding land-use policies. The delicate dance between protecting lives,
preserving the environment, and fostering economic development requires careful consideration
and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the affected communities. Ultimately,
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the lessons learned from the 2018 Lower Puna eruption should inform future strategies for
managing volcanic-prone regions, ensuring their residents' safety and well-being while
respecting their unique natural environments.
Work Cited Page
1.
Is it Safe to Visit Hawaii after the Eruption?
(2021, January 7). Big Island Guide.
https://bigislandguide.com/safe-to-visit-hawaii-during-the-volcanic-activity
2.
Kim, A. (2019, May 2).
What Did (And Didn’t) Cause The Kīlauea Eruption
. Hawai‘i
Groundwater & Geothermal Resources Center.
https://www.higp.hawaii.edu/hggrc/what-did-and-didnt-cause-the-kilauea-eruption/
3.
Patrick, M. R., Houghton, B. F., Anderson, K. R., Poland, M. P., Montgomery-Brown, E.,
Johanson, I., Thelen, W., & Elias, T. (2020). The cascading origin of the 2018 Kīlauea
eruption and implications for future forecasting.
Nature Communications
,
11
(1), 5646.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19190-1
4.
Yang, Y. (2021, June 15).
2018 Kilauea Eruption and Impacts
. ArcGIS StoryMaps.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e6eb37f4973144c58621075d678a4429