New Footage Shows Hawaii Lava Devastation, Guatemala Death Toll Rises After Volcano Explodes Again

Dramatic Footage Shows Hawaii Lava Devastation; Guatemala Death Toll Rises After Volcano Explodes Again

Dramatic new aerial footage over Hawaii's Big Island reveals the extent of devastation caused by the Kilauea volcano, which erupted 34 days ago and shows no signs of easing up. 

"There's a lot of destruction," said Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno to CBS affiliate KGMB-TV. "It's like a flood -- it's just pouring out, covering everything in its path. It looks like there's no stopping it."

At least 80 homes were added to the previous count after lava coursed through two newly evacuated subdivisions, pushing the estimated number of buildings overcome by lava close to 200 - putting it on par with the 215 homes destroyed by lava over the last 35 years by the volcano's last eruption cycle which began in 1983. 

"We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night," said Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County on the Big Island.

Kīlauea Message Wed, 06 Jun 2018 07:12:30 HST: 6:30 AM HST overflight confirms Vacationland area completely covered; flows extended 100 yards north in Kapoho Beach Lots; lava entering ocean at Vacationland; no other changes to flow field; Fissure 8 fountaining still strong

— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) June 6, 2018

USGS UAS hovers above fissure 8’s active lava channel, collecting video that helps estimate lava flow velocity. #LERZ https://t.co/BVbUwKqqxhpic.twitter.com/j7gcB980Sd

— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) June 6, 2018

Meanwhile, lava filled Kapoho Bay in a matter of days, sending toxic steam mixed with tiny particles of glass billowing into the sky.

Rescuers cautiously resumed work in the village of San Miguel Los Lotes near the base of the volcano following the second eruption, however rain from the previous night hampered efforts after causing the ash to harden.

Authorities warned that the rain increased the chance of muddy flows of volcanic material and other debris. A red alert remained in place for the departments of Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango, and people were advised not to linger near the affected zones.

Firefighters' spokesperson Julio Sanchez said Tuesday that 72 hours after Sunday's eruption there will be little chance of finding anyone alive. -CBC