Disaster declared in Hawaii after volcanic eruption

12 May, 2018 07:05

US President Donald Trump has declared a disaster in Hawaii after a volcanic eruption on May 3 destroyed 36 structures, including 26 homes, and covered more than 117 acres of land in lava. Hawaii Governor David Ige confirmed the declaration on Friday, with a statement from the White House saying it was signed on Tuesday. The declaration means that federal funds will be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to assist with emergency work and repairs. Ige expects the estimated repair costs from the Kilauea volcano to exceed $2.9 million over the next month.