Hawaii Volcano Quiets After Months-Long Eruption

"After more than three months, the volcanic eruption on Hawaii's Big Island appears to be slowing."

"Geologists at the Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory say the flow of lava from a crack in the earth at the foot of the Kilauea volcano has greatly diminished in recent days. It was lava from that vent, Fissure 8, that ran toward the coast in a molten river, inundating two seaside communities and reshaping the island's southeast coast."

"That doesn't mean the event is over. Tina Neal, the scientist in charge of the observatory, noted that eruptions like this typically wax and wane."

"'It could be weeks or months before we feel comfortable calling the eruption and the summit collapse over,' she said in a press release."

"Still, any reprieve is welcome news to the residents of the Big Island's Puna District, who have been living in a state of uncertainty since the eruption began on May 3."