A new phase of the Kilauea volcano eruption has begun in Hawaii, the US Geological Survey said on Saturday.

"Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption, which began at 3:19 a.m. HST [13:19 GMT] on October 17, 2026, continues at 5:00 a.m. HST. The north vent fountain has reached a maximum height of 720 feet (220 m)," the statement read.

The eruption's plume is rising to roughly 25,000 feet above sea level, it said.

Due to the eruption, an "orange" aviation color code - the third of four alert levels - has been issued. This indicates a low level of volcanic ash emissions.

@Sputnik