Informative quote of the day: "'It's very easy to outrun lava'" (AP/CNN)

[eppur_se_muova]

Homeowner: 'It's very easy to outrun lava'

VOLCANO, Hawaii (AP) -- Lava from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, destroyed three abandoned houses this week in a nearly deserted neighborhood, scientists on the Big Island reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said a lava flow entered the Royal Gardens subdivision on Sunday, and two structures were burned by Tuesday. A third house in the area residents fled years ago had fallen victim to the volcano by Thursday, scientists said.

Sixty-six homes and other structures in the subdivision have been destroyed by the volcano that began slowly erupting January 3, 1983.

About five houses are still standing, but only two homeowners remain in Royal Gardens. The homeowners, Jack Thompson and Dean Schneider, say they are in no danger.
***
more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/29/hawaii.volcano.ap/index.html

[Warpy]

1. Definite Darwin contenders.

That one ranks right up there with "Hey, look at this!" as famous last words.

[Not Me]

2. It's true.

I lived on the Big Island for a couple years in the late 90's. The lava flows there tend to meander along...which can raise tensions if you live downslope from the flow. In reality, the areas around Kilauea are not very heavily populated.

There is nothing more beautiful than to gaze at a flow in the pitch black night.

[margotb822]

4. I'm sure that's what the people of Pompeii thought

Until the massive eruption...

It is definitely beautiful, but I couldn't live there without worrying constantly.

[Massacure]

3. It may be easy to outrun lava, but not so much a pyroclastic cloud N/T

[XemaSab]

5. Lahar flows and nuee ardentes (sp)

can also be a bit tough to stay ahead of. :D

[Nihil]

6. And the best bit about the second one ...

... is that even if you think you dodged it by moving to one side,
the heat shock will still kill you ...

I think I'll leave lava racing to someone else thanks! :-)