USGS/Handout
A lava flow from the Kilauea volcano, moves on a street in Leilani Estates in Hawaii, U.S. May 6, 2018.
A volcanic eruption in Hawaii has destroyed more than 36 structures and forced thousands of people to evacuate.
But things could get worse, according to the United States Geological Survey. There's potential for Hawaii's Kilauea volcano to propel gigantic boulders into the sky, spew noxious gases like sulfur dioxide, and cause acid rain to fall over Hawaii's Big Island if its eruption intensifies.
USGS geologists are closely monitoring the volcano. Forceful eruptions occur when magma (or underground lava) sinks to the water table. When the water and magma mix, it creates steam, which builds pressure below the Earth. All that pressure can blow, flinging massive boulders, ash, and lava into the air.
While eruptions are difficult to predict, the lava lake on top of Kilauea's main summit is quickly sinking - a clear warning sign that a big eruption may be coming, according to the USGS.
Kilauea has been continuously erupting for years, but the action got significantly more disastrous in recent weeks. New fissures and flowing lava have caused severe damage in residential communities located near the crater. The lava first flowed into residential neighborhoods last week, but geologists have been sounding the alarm that the eruption may get worse.
Here's what the area looks like.