The Time That Hilo Got Bombed

Hilo, Hawaii, is no stranger to the forces of nature, particularly when it comes to volcanic activity from the mighty Mauna Loa, one of the world's most active volcanoes. But in 1935, the town faced an extraordinary threat when a lava flow from Mauna Loa began making its slow but relentless advance toward the city. In a daring and unprecedented effort to save Hilo, the U.S. Army Air Corps carried out a bold plan: bombing the lava flow to divert its path away from the town. This dramatic event remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Hilo, showcasing human ingenuity in the face of nature's unstoppable power.

The Threat of Mauna Loa: A Slow-Moving Disaster

Mauna Loa, which means "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian, is the largest volcano on Earth and has erupted 33 times since its first well-documented eruption in 1843. In 1935, the volcano erupted again, sending a river of molten lava flowing steadily towards Hilo. Lava flows are often slow, moving at a pace that allows time for evacuation, but their sheer destructive power can be catastrophic. As the lava crept closer, the town’s residents and local officials faced the very real possibility that it would overrun homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure.

At the time, Hilo was a thriving port town with a growing population, and a lava flow reaching the city could have spelled disaster. With limited options and growing concern, local leaders needed a plan to protect the town. That’s when the idea of bombing the lava was conceived—a strategy as bold as it was controversial.

Bombing the Lava Flow: A High-Stakes Gamble

The plan to bomb the lava flow was spearheaded by Thomas A. Jaggar, a volcanologist and founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Jaggar theorized that explosives could disrupt the lava tubes and channels, redirecting the flow and slowing its advance. The U.S. Army Air Corps, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George S. Patton (who would later gain fame during World War II), was enlisted to carry out the mission.

On December 27, 1935, six Keystone B-3 and B-4 bombers took to the skies, each carrying bombs filled with TNT. The target: the lava tubes that were feeding the flow toward Hilo. The bombers dropped a total of 20 bombs on the lava, aiming to break up the tubes and force the lava to spill out and cool more rapidly.

The Outcome: Did It Work?

The bombing was only partially successful but made a significant impact. The explosions managed to disrupt some of the lava channels, creating a barrier that slowed the flow’s progress. The lava flow was not entirely diverted, but the intervention gave it time to cool and solidify before it could reach the town. The bombing did not stop the eruption, but it bought critical time, sparing Hilo from immediate destruction.

The operation was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a triumph of human ingenuity over nature, while others criticized it as reckless and unlikely to succeed. Volcanologists today remain divided on the effectiveness of the bombing, but many agree that it played a role in altering the flow’s path, even if temporarily.

Lessons Learned and Legacy

The 1935 bombing of the lava flow is a testament to the lengths to which people will go to protect their homes and communities. It also marked one of the few times in history when military intervention was used in a natural disaster scenario. The lessons learned from this event have influenced volcanic hazard management strategies worldwide, reminding us that while we cannot control nature, we can sometimes influence its course.

This bold act of bombing the lava remains a unique chapter in volcanic history and serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those living in Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. The story of the 1935 Mauna Loa eruption and the bombing of the lava flow continues to captivate and inspire, highlighting the delicate balance between human life and the natural forces that shape our world.

Conclusion: A Moment of Human Ingenuity Against Nature’s Power

The bombing of the Mauna Loa lava flow in 1935 is an extraordinary example of human resourcefulness and a fascinating chapter in Hilo’s history. While the exact effectiveness of the bombing is still debated, its impact on the community is undeniable. It’s a story that underscores the unpredictability of living in a volcanically active region and the extraordinary measures people will take to protect their homes. The event is a testament to the spirit of innovation and determination that defines Hilo and its people, who continue to live with respect and resilience in the shadow of Mauna Loa.

Sources

1. Tilling, R. I., & Lipman, P. W. (1993). Lessons in Lava Flow Diversion. U.S. Geological Survey.

2. Hawaii Volcano Observatory. “The 1935 Eruption of Mauna Loa.” U.S. Geological Survey.

3. Lockwood, J. P., & Torgerson, F. A. (2001). The Bombing of Mauna Loa Lava Flows: An Attempt to Control a Natural Hazard. Bulletin of Volcanology.

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