A bulldozer works to create a barrier to lava flows threatening areas below the village of Kapoho, on the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, in January 1960. Lava fountains tower in the background from the eruptive vent, which was less than 1 km from the center of the village. Lava flows eventually engulfed the entire village, but the 5 km of walls that were constructed may have helped prevent the flows from reaching houses and a lighthouse at the coast.

Photo by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 1960.

This image is made available as a Public Domain Work, but proper attribution is appreciated.

Galleries: Preparedness

Keywords: lava fountain | ash | lava | lava flow | human impacts | eruption | ejecta | gas | volcanic gas | spatter

Kilauea