The Pu'u 'O'o crater of the Kilauea volcano partially obscured by thick fume. (Associated Press)
Residents in a sparsely populated neighbourhood near Hawaii's active volcano are still on alert while officials say a dangerous lava flow has slowed its advance.
The Hawaii Civil Defense Agency said Saturday that an inspection made by helicopter of the area shows the lava had flowed about 50 yards since Friday. The agency reported the flow advanced about 150 yards between Thursday and Friday. The flow was moving at almost 300 yards a day earlier in the week.
<divid='ndtvrelcontent'></div>
Officials said no residents have been asked to evacuate and that the flow does not pose an immediate threat. The nearest homes are about a mile from the flow, which could reach the residential area in about week. Residents remain under an "eruption warning" and are asked to be ready to evacuate.