Hawaii eruption destroys 5 homes as toxic gas and molten lava threaten residents

At least five homes have been destroyed after the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island erupted, spewing molten rocks and high levels of sulfur dioxide into neighborhoods.

The eruption drove hundreds of people from their homes Thursday. It was followed by a magnitude 6.9-magnitude quake Friday -- the most powerful on the island since 1975, the US Geological Survey said. 

At least eight volcanic vents have opened in Leilani Estates, according to the USGS. 

All residents of Leilani Estates, a community of about 1,700 people near the Big Island's eastern edge, and nearby Lanipuna Gardens have been ordered to evacuate. 

"The area continues to be unstable with volcanic venting and related hazards of earthquake and poisonous gases ongoing," the Hawaii Civil Defense Agency said Saturday night. 

New photos released by the USGS showed a wall of molten lava from the seventh fissure in Leilani Estates and a new crack in one of the subdivision's roads.

Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno told CNN affiliate KHON that the vents had quietened Saturday, "but we're pretty certain that we're not done yet."

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