Hazards
Volcanic eruptions in Hawaiʻi rarely cause casualties: the only fatality due to volcanic activity there in the last century occurred at Kīlauea in 1924, when an unusually explosive eruption hurled rocks at onlookers, killing one. However, property damage is common. Mauna Loa is a Decade Volcano, which means the IAVCEI has identified it as worthy of particular research in light of its frequent eruptions and proximity to populated areas. Many towns and villages near the volcano are built on lava which has erupted in the last two hundred years, and there is a very strong likelihood that future eruptions will cause damage to populated areas.
Areas of the volcano have been classified into different Lava Flow Hazard Zones. There are two classifications. One classification is based upon historical flows and uses a 1-9 numbering system. The second classification was created to account for present flow activity and uses the numbers 11, 12 and 13.
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