Helicopter View Shows Fissure Complex and Lava Ocean Entry in Hawaii's Lower East Rift Zone

Ash and lava erupted from a complex of fissures in the lower East Rift Zone in Puna, Hawaii, on May 23.

Volcanic activity has been ongoing near Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano since May 3, forcing evacuations and causing one serious injury.

Blue flames appeared from road cracks near the Leilani Estates subdivision on May 22.

USGS said the blue flames were caused by methane gas, produced as a result of lava burning vegetation, according to USGS.

This video, recorded from a moving helicopter, shows a fissure complex, in the lower East Rift Zone in Puna, Hawaii. Credit: USGS via Storyful