FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — As conditions worsen in Hawaii, family members here in Washington worry about their loved ones dealing with the Kilauea volcano’s recent eruptions, lava flows and toxic gas spewing from vents in the ground.
Margaret Wong Thomas of Federal Way tells KOMO she has family and friends on the Big Island, where she grew up and was used to earthquakes, but says this is far scarier.
“It is hard to watch because you want to reach out and try to do something for your friends or family there, or just to help, but you’re stuck. You cant do anything but just pray,” she says.
KOMO reports phone communication is spotty, so many people are using news and social media to check up on family and monitor the situation.
Dozens of homes have been destroyed and families are being told to evacuate.