Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano destroys 467 homes

June 16 (UPI) -- Lava from the Kilauea Volcano has destroyed 467 homes and covered 5,914 acres, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said Saturday.

Activity on Saturday included an explosive event at Halemaumau Crater that had the energy of a 5.3 magnitude earthquake, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

As Fissure 8 in the lower East Rift Zone remains active, lava fountains are reaching 170 feet tall, leaving gas emissions high. Winds will to continue to bring vog to the central, southern and western parts of Hawaii Island, officials said.

Saturday's announcement comes with an alert to Hawaiians to remain vigilant about air quality conditions and for those with breathing problems to limit outdoor activities. The alert also said areas downwind of Kilauea should be prepared for ash.

An explosive event at the Kilauea summit on Friday produced an ash plume that rose to 10,000 feet and dispersed, the defense agency said.

Heavy vog is blanketing the interior and southern parts of the island, impacting Hilo and wrapping around to Kona through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.