Kilauea volcano destroys dozens of homes in Hawaii

Video caption, Aerial footage shows spread of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano

The eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, USA, has destroyed 26 homes and is threatening hundreds more.

Nearly 2,000 people have so far been evacuated. Some residents were allowed home to rescue pets, but authorities said it was not safe to stay.

New cracks in the ground - called volcanic fissures - opened overnight on Sunday in the Leilani Estates area, where lava leapt up to 70 metres into the air.

The island was hit by a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Friday.

Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been in constant eruption for 35 years.

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, The governor of Hawaii declared a local state of emergency after the volcanic eruption

Image source, EPA

Image caption, Authorities say the fire has destroyed 26 homes on the island and is threatening hundreds more

Image source, EPA

Image caption, Cracks in the ground called fissures have spewed lava around homes

Image source, AFP

Image caption, Ten separate fissures have torn open the Leilani Estates neighbourhood, about 40km from the volcano's crater

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, A series of earthquakes have shaken Hawaii's Big Island since the eruption of the Kilauea volcano, causing massive cracks in the ground

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Many are staying in emergency shelters, with no idea when they will be allowed to return home

Image source, USGS

Image caption, The volcano erupted on Friday, following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake