Volcano Region Declared a Disaster Area
Lava destroyed another home Friday in this coastal community, and President Bush declared the region devastated by Kilauea Volcano a disaster area.
The lava flow threatened seven other homes among the 33 that remain in Kalapana, said Lanny Nakano, spokesman for Hawaii Island Civil Defense. Much of the community was destroyed by lava in April and early May, and many homes have been abandoned.
The home lost Friday brought to 140 the number of dwellings destroyed since Kilauea began spewing lava on Jan. 3, 1983. The federal disaster declaration was made effective to the start of the eruption.
Gov. John Waihee, who earlier issued a state disaster declaration, estimated damage at $61 million.
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