PAHOA, Hawaii (AP) — Lava from one of the world’s most active volcanos is creeping through cracks in the earth toward a rural subdivision on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Civil defense officials say the molten rock from Kilauea (kih-luh-WAY’-uh) is moving very slowly, with very little vegetation burning.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory raised the eruption alert level for the volcano a watch to a warning two days ago. Scientists say Kilauea’s lava could reach Kaohe Homesteads in less than a week.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed an emergency proclamation yesterday in preparation for lava crossing Highway 130, which could isolate communities in the lower Puna district from the rest of the island. The proclamation would allow officials to open abandoned roads as alternate routes.

No evacuations have been ordered, but Puna residents are being told to be prepared.

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APPHOTO GFX3420: Map locates Kilauea volcano in Hawaii.; 2c x 4 inches; 96.3 mm x 101 mm; (6 Sep 2014)

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