HAWAII LAVA
The lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano is seen advancing across a pasture between the Pahoa cemetery and Apa'a Street, in this US Geological Survey (USGS) image taken near the village of Pahoa, Hawaii. The lava began flowing from the Kilauea Volcano on 27 June. About 4,000 people live in the residential communities that the lava is approaching. REUTERS/U.S. Geological Survey/Handout

Lava flow from the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii's Big Island is now within 70 yards of the nearest residential property, authorities have said.

The hot molten lava flow, which is about 110 yards wide and spreading, has overrun a cemetery on its way toward Pahoa village, which has a population of 800, reports Reuters.

Advancing about 10 to 15 yards an hour, and then slowing to some two yards per hour by late afternoon, the lava has varied in its speed and even come to a standstill since first bubbling out from the volcano on June 27.

If it continues on its current trajectory it could hit property in the next day or so and lock some 8,000 people in Puna district once it covers Highway 130, the major road in the region.

Many residents of Pahoa have left their homes open to being looted, reports CNN.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Kilauea was still erupting at its summit and on the eastern side of the volcano.