The Kilauea  volcano in Hawaii began erupting on Thursday, the US Geological Service's (USCS) volcanic activity notice said, after detecting a glow in the summit producing smog that is confined within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The  volcano alert level was raised to 'Red' after an evaluation of the eruption and associated hazards, the notice said.

USGS said that the volcanic gas, which consists of sulfur dioxide and other gases, could produce a visible haze of volcanic smog, known as 'vog', which has been observed downwind of Kilauea. Vog has the potential to generate airborne health hazards for residents and visitors, causing breathing difficulties and also damaging agricultural crops.

Known to be the younger and more active neighbour of Mauna Loa, which erupted in November for the first time since 1984, the Kilauea volcano has been erupting since 2021. However, Mauna Loa's eruption has had no impact and remains quiet, USGS said.

Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/customer/subscribe/digitalsub/3for1/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_pvid_conversion-subscription_editorial-iniative_03-22_EGW-13_organic_youtube

Get the latest headlines: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Telegraph.co.uk and YouTube.com/TelegraphTV are websites of The Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.