Kilauea volcano

Volcano evacuees suffering 'shelter fatigue'

Many evacuees on the Big Island are living in shelters, tents and other people's homes.

The East Hawaii chapter of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (EHVOAD) has been helping to coordinate volunteers in shelters, including one area nicknamed tent city.

EHVOAD's Suzi Bond said many aid organisations were helping like the Red Cross, Hope Services and the Salvation Army which had provided more than 20,000 meals in five weeks.

All the agencies agreed the evacuees urgently needed a more permanent housing solution, Ms Hope said.

New fissure opens up on Kilauea

Nearly 2,000 people have been evacuated since the volcano erupted May 3, sending lava flowing into communities and threatening a nearby geothermal plant.

An 18th fissure, a crack on the ground through which lava pours out, was reported Sunday, according to the Civil Defense Emergency System for the County of Hawaii.

The Department of Public Works and Police said the new fissure opened on Hale Kamahina Loop Road and is emitting steam and lava.