Hawaii volcano ash plume rises to 3.6km

An ash plume from within Kilauea volcano's summit crater in Hawaii has risen as high as 3.6km above sea level.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says an ash plume from within Kilauea volcano's summit crater has risen as high as 3.6km above sea level.

Ash has been wafting continuously from a vent in the crater, Halemaumau, and drifting southwest, causing ashfall and volcanic air pollution to be reported as far as 30km away.

Authorities have issued an ashfall advisory for the island's southernmost district.

Officials also reported Tuesday that a new lava fissure opened in the Lanipuna Gardens subdivision near Leilani Estates. Nearly 20 fissures have opened up in those two subdivisions, destroying more than two dozen homes since the eruption began May 3.

Lava from another fissure that opened over the weekend is making a path for the ocean, about 3km away.

Geologists warn Kilauea's summit could have an explosive steam eruption that would hurl huge rocks and ash miles into the sky.