October 30, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
Nation
Residents on Hawaii whose houses are in the path of oncoming lava were ordered to evacuate Wednesday. The stream has been moving at about 30 feet per hour, but officials say it is difficult to predict shifts in the lava’s speed. The ooze is about to cross the main street of Pahoa, and 80 members of Hawaii’s National Guard will begin patrolling road blocks for fire. The front of the stream is 15 feet wide, and widens significantly behind the front, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Residents whose homes are in the literal line of fire will be allowed to watch the movement from a safe distance. The lava has been on the move since June, and some officials have stated that it’s possible it could continue for 30 years.
