How many deaths has Kilauea caused?

Kilauea’s Deadly Past: More Than Just Lava Flows

Kilauea, that fiery giant on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its flowing lava. But there’s a darker side to this natural wonder. It’s not just about watching molten rock creep across the landscape; Kilauea has a history, a past punctuated by tragedy. We’re talking about lives lost, and it’s a story worth understanding if you want to grasp the real power – and danger – of this volcano.

1790: When Kilauea Unleashed Fury

Picture this: it’s 1790, and Hawaii is a very different place. No tourists, no fancy resorts. Just warriors, families, and a volcano about to blow its top. What happened next was Kilauea’s deadliest moment, and the worst volcanic disaster in what would become the United States. We’re talking about an eruption that likely killed over 400 people.

These weren’t just random folks caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were part of Keoua’s army, moving near the summit, probably not expecting a volcanic blast. And what a blast it was! It wasn’t just lava; it was a series of explosions, a surge of superheated steam and rock that swept through the area. Imagine the devastation.

Scientists now believe it was a “base surge,” a fast-moving cloud of hot gas and debris, that did the most damage. The force was so intense it left footprints – literally – in the ash deposits. A chilling reminder etched in stone. While some old stories inflate the death toll to crazy numbers like 5,000-plus, the general agreement is that at least 400 souls perished in that single event. A sobering thought, isn’t it?

Beyond 1790: Other Times Kilauea Turned Deadly

The 1790 eruption was the big one, no doubt. But Kilauea has had other moments where it’s claimed lives, albeit on a smaller scale. Think of it as a series of unfortunate reminders that nature is always in charge.

• 1868: Earthquake and Killer Waves. A massive earthquake, possibly linked to Kilauea’s rumblings, triggered a tsunami. Forty-six people along the coast were swept away. It wasn’t just the shaking; it was the ocean itself turning against them.
• 1924: A Photographer’s Fatal Mistake. During some explosive activity at Halemaʻumaʻu crater, a photographer got too close. Falling rocks ended his life. A tragic reminder that even capturing nature’s beauty can be risky business.
• 1975: Another Quake, Another Tsunami. History repeated itself. An earthquake within Kilauea spawned a tsunami that killed two campers at Halape. Just goes to show, the ocean and volcanoes are a dangerous mix.
• 1993: When the Coast Gave Way. A visitor, lured by the beauty of the coastline, ventured onto a seacoast bench. It collapsed, and they were lost to the sea. Sometimes, the most beautiful spots hide the greatest dangers.

The Invisible Threat: Volcanic Gases

It’s not always about explosions and tsunamis. Sometimes, the danger is in the air itself. Volcanic gases, especially sulfur dioxide (SO2), are a real health hazard around Kilauea. From 1983 to 2003, five tourists died because of SO2 exposure. In 2000, two more people succumbed to pulmonary edema after inhaling steam near a lava flow. It’s a reminder that even when the volcano seems calm, it’s still exhaling potentially deadly fumes.

2018: A Close Call

The 2018 eruption was a monster. It wiped out neighborhoods, displaced families, and changed the landscape forever. Over 700 homes were swallowed by lava. But here’s the thing: remarkably, nobody died directly because of the eruption. That’s a testament to the early warnings and the massive evacuation efforts. A silver lining in a very dark cloud.

What Does It All Mean?

Kilauea’s story is a complex one. It’s a story of creation and destruction, beauty and danger. The volcano’s past, especially the horrors of 1790, should make us sit up and pay attention. It highlights the need for constant monitoring, smart planning, and educating people about the risks. Living near a volcano is a gamble, but understanding the odds is the best way to stay safe. Kilauea is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a force of nature that demands respect.