The conclusions of experts are made on the basis of observations of the volcano over the past six years.

A team of scientists predicted that the eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano, which is located in Hawaii, would soon erupt, and it would have catastrophic consequences, says a new study published in the scientific journal Phys.Org.

According to experts, magma is currently accumulating under the Mauna Loa volcano. Its emergence to the surface can cause a powerful earthquake and “catastrophic eruption”.

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It is indicated that researchers have been observing the movement of the earth’s surface near the volcano since 2014. In recent years, a displacement of the surface under the eastern flank of the volcano has been recorded, while everything was calm on the opposite flank.

According to the authors of the article, this indicates the probability of an earthquake with a force of about 6 points and eruption

“An earthquake of magnitude-6 or greater would relieve the stress imparted by the influx of magma along a sub-horizontal fault under the western flank of the volcano. This earthquake could trigger an eruption,” said Bhuvan Varugu from the UM Rosenstiel School and lead author of the study.

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Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth. Its eruptions leave very little time for evacuation due to the rapid flow of lava flows. In 1950, after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake and the ensuing eruption, the lava reached the coast in three hours.

Recall that in DR Congo, 32 people died due to the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo volcano. 

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Victims of the disaster either burned down in their homes, or suffocated with toxic smoke and gases, or died during the evacuation.

Image Credit: Getty