Uncertainty is surrounding the Hawaiian volcano Kīlauea as scientists report an uptick in earthquakes in the region. The region is now under a YELLOW/ADVISORY alert.

The volcano is not erupting, but a “significant spike” in earthquakes has prompted the closure of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as a precautionary measure, the park said in a statement. This is because if the volcano does erupt it could put visitors and staff at risk.

“Safety is our main focus, and the uncertainty of where an eruption could break out increases risk,” Jack Corrao, the chief ranger at the park, said in the statement. “Elevated volcanic gases, dangerous lava activity, damaging earthquakes and lava-ignited wildfire are all potential hazards associated with an eruption.”

“Safety is our main focus, and the uncertainty of where an eruption could break out increases risk,” Jack Corrao, the chief ranger at the park, said in the statement. “Elevated volcanic gases, dangerous lava activity, damaging earthquakes and lava-ignited wildfire are all potential hazards associated with an eruption.”

Read More Here