On May 3, 2018 the Kilauea volcano erupted on the big island of Hawaii. Kilauea’s lava has barred and prevented about 2,000 people from going to their homes for 10 days. The Kilauea volcano also poured lava about 35 miles from Hilo, the largest city in Hawaii, and has destroyed at least 26 homes. The lava has also released poisonous gases that are killing off trees and grasses that were left untouched by the lava.

Scientists have found 19 lava outbreaks in the surrounding neighborhoods since the eruption of the Kilauea volcano on May 3, and has had to close the are to the public. The brand new danger comes from the fact that the lava level inside the volcano is dropping. If it falls below the water table, water will pour onto the lava. This would generate steam that could explode from the summit. Boulders as big as refrigerators could be launched a half-mile, and ash plumes could soar as high as 20,000 feet.

The main road to and from the area, which is housed in a national park, has suffered massive cracks that continue to widen. Earthquakes are continuing to remain active, prompting fears that this activity could yet worsen. Scientists are forecasting the possibility of more eruptions and earthquakes, which could even last for months to come.

The Big Island’s economy depends on the amount of tourism and hotels and airlines are reporting few cancellations. Helicopter flights over the lava flows are always a popular tourist trip and are largely booked days in advance. Still, the effects are being felt from the eruption; authorities have ordered some vacation rentals near the lava flow to shutter indefinitely to stretch the community’s water supplies and reduce the number of potential evacuees.

Property is cheap in the area, starting at around $8,000 for a small plot of land and many evacuees have little to their name other than their off-grid homes and battered cars. Area residents have swamped evacuees with free clothing, meals and basic supplies.The reality is that there is nothing we to stop natural disasters, but there are always thing that you could do to help other even if they’re oceans away.