Here is a news article: (CNN) For residents of the Big Island of Hawaii, Friday was a day of fraught nerves as a strong earthquake shook their homes, which are increasingly threatened by a volcanic eruption that doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

 The magnitude 6.9 temblor that jolted the island was one of more than 110 earthquakes in just 24 hours. It knocked out power to some residents who were already dealing with mandatory evacuation orders, molten rock and high levels of sulfur dioxide in the air.

 The situation wasn't getting any better, Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno told reporters Friday afternoon.

 "Activity continues. It doesn't look like it is slowing down," he said.

 Magno said five volcanic vents have opened and indicated that at least one home and another structure were destroyed by lava.

 It is highly unusual to see the vents so far from Kilauea volcano, he said.

 Hundreds of people have evacuated from Leilani Estates, a community of about 1,700 people, and Lanipuna Gardens. Harry Kim, mayor of Hawaii County, said the government will support residents, including those who want to go back to their homes to pick up some belongings.

 "We have to work with them as to how we are going to minimize (the inconveniences) as best as possible," he said. The mayor said people who want to check on their homes would be allowed into the neighborhoods.

 A photo provided by Shane Turpin shows the results of the Kilauea volcano's eruption early Friday.

 'We had to evacuate,' resident says

 Stephen Clapper said there was no choice.

 "We had to evacuate. My mother was out of portable oxygen, so that's a first concern. She's 88 years old," he told CNN affiliate KHON

 Clapper became one of hundreds of residents to flee the threats from the volcanic eruption. He said he told his mom on Friday morning to pack a bag, just in case.

 But with lava setting trees ablaze and threatening homes, and with gas coming out of cracks in the ground, Clapper went back to the house, got his mother and the dogs, swept up some of his clothes in one arm, and took off for a shelter.

 Cracks in Kilauea volcano's rift zone -- an area of fissures miles away from the summit -- erupted Thursday and early Friday, spurting lava near the island's eastern edge.

 US Geological Survey seismologist Jana Pursley said there have been 119 earthquakes on the Big Island since Thursday afternoon. The USGS said Friday's 6.9 quake was the most powerful on the island since 1975.

 Steam rises from cracks in the road near Leilani Estates on Friday.

 About 14,000 customers of Hawaii Electric Light lost power immediately after the earthquake.

 "We've had some unofficial reports there (is) some damage to some buildings," spokeswoman Rhea Lee-Moku said.

 Lee-Moku said power has been restored to about half of the customers who were without, but sulfur gas levels in some areas are beyond what Hawaii Electric Light deems safe so they cannot work in those places.

 "When you are exposed to that level of SO2 in the Leilani Estates area you need more protection than we have available to us," she said.

 KHON reported that some viewers on the island of Oahu, about 200 miles away, felt the shaking.

 Lava shoots into the air

 Video posted on social media showed lava spewing several feet into the air from a new crack in a Leilani Estates street. Aerial videos showed lava searing a long orange and smoky line through a wooded area.

 Jeremiah Osuna, who used a drone to record one of the videos Thursday, said the area "sounded like if you were to put a bunch of rocks into a dryer and turn it on as high as you could," according to KHON.

 As authorities watch, Leilani Estates residents line up on the road leading to the area.

 "You could just smell sulfur and burning trees and underbrush and stuff," Osuna said, according to the TV station. "I couldn't believe it. I was kind of shaken a little bit and realizing how real everything is, and how dangerous living on the East Rift can be."

 Leilani Estates resident Meija Stenback told CNN affiliate KITV that she left the area with her family. The eruption came after hundreds of earthquakes shook the eastern side of the Big Island over four days, and residents had been warned an eruption was possible.

 "We knew it was coming, and even now it's ... really surreal at this point," Stenback told KITV.

 A thick plume of smoke and ash also rose Thursday from the Puu Oo volcanic vent, roughly halfway between Kilauea's caldera and Leilani Estates.

 A plume of ash rises from the Puu Oo volcanic vent Thursday in this US Geological Survey photo.

 Concerns about sulfur dioxide

 Destructive molten flows weren't the only concern. Volcanic eruptions can release potentially dangerous sulfur dioxide -- and fire department personnel have detected high levels of the gas in the evacuation area, the civil defense agency said.

 Exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide could be life-threatening, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

 Breathing large amounts of sulfur dioxide could result in burning of the nose and throat and breathing difficulties, the agency says.

 Senior citizens, the young and people with respiratory issues have extra incentive to leave the evacuation zone, because they are especially vulnerable to the gas, the state's Emergency Management Agency said

 Gov. David Ige said he's activated the Hawaii National Guard to help with evacuations and security.

 "I urge residents in Leilani Estates and the surrounding areas to follow instructions. ... Please be alert and prepare now to keep your family safe," he tweeted.

 The Guard will do security patrols and help evacuate residents, Hawaii Adjutant General Arthur "Joe" Logan said.

 Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It's in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , which closed Friday.

 Check out this photo of the #lava on Mohala Street in Leiliani Estates that was taken by our crew earlier today. Please be safe everyone! https://t.co/wMo5BzSMAh @NWSHonolulu pic.twitter.com/cPUuGXGMp8 — HawaiiElectricLight (@HIElectricLight) May 4, 2018

 Since Monday, several hundred earthquakes -- most of them around magnitude 2.0 -- have been recorded in the area. The series of quakes came after a collapse of a crater floor of Puu Oo.

 New map of locations of first three eruptive fissures in Leilani Estates Subdivision (Hawaii) as of this morning (May 4). Fissures are jetting sulfur dioxide gas and lava spatter. Updated maps will be posted on the USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory page at https://t.co/TD5y5GV1Xk pic.twitter.com/ACS76UibXv — USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) May 4, 2018

 The tremors have jarred residents, who've been reporting nearly constant ground vibrations. They have also reported cracks in roads.

 "It has now become unnerving," resident Carol Shepard told KHON.

 She said the flurry of earthquakes seemed to happen every minute.

 "It'd be like the house would shake. It'd be like somebody that weighs 300 pounds came in my living room, and jumped up and down," she said. ||||| SHARE

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 UPDATE: 5:45 a.m.

 Extremely high levels of noxious sulfur dioxide are still present in the evacuation area, according to the Hawaii County Fire Department. Elderly residents, children and those with respiratory issues are advised to leave the area immediately.

 Meanwhile, first responders continue to assist with the evacuation of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions.

 4:35 a.m.

 Active fountaining of the eruption in Leilani Estates has been confirmed, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense.

 Vents are erupting on Makamae and Mohala strets. All residents of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions are ordered to evacuate immediately.

 Civil Defense announced the following:

 >> Kua O Ka La Charter School, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science, Keonepoko Elementary and Pahoa High, Intermediate, and Elementary will be closed today.

 Hawaii Fire Department reports extremely high levels of dangerous Sulfur Dioxide gas detected in the evacuation area. Elderly, young, and people with respiratory issues need to comply with the mandatory evacuation order and leave the area.

 >> All residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions are required to evacuate. The Pahoa Community Center and the Kea’au Community Center are open for shelter.

 >> Residents evacuating should bring an emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.

 >> The Hawaii Police Department reminds the public that a temporary flight restriction is in place for most of lower Puna. Drones can be confiscated in the Temporary Flight Restriction Area (TFR). More at tfr.faa.gov

 >> Pohoiki Road is closed from the intersection at Highway 132 down to Highway 137 to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.

 >> Puna Geothermal Venture power production is suspended until further notice.

 10:15 p.m.

 Hawaii Fire Department reports extremely high levels of dangerous sulfur dioxide gas detected in the evacuation area. Elderly, young, and people with respiratory issues need to comply with the mandatory evacuation order and leave the area.

 >> All residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions are required to evacuate.

 >> The Pahoa Regional Community Center near the new Pahoa Regional Park is open for shelter.

 >> Keaau Community Center is open for additional shelter needs.

 >> Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.

 >> An emergency proclamation is now in effect.

 >> Pohoiki Road is closed from the intersection at Highway 132 up to Lanipuna Subdivision to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.

 >> Hawaii Gas Company Customers with questions should call their 24/7 hotline at (808) 935-0021.

 >> Puna Geothermal Venture operations have shut down indefinitely until further notice.

 >>Avoid travel to the evacuation area for everyone’s safety.

 VIDEOS:

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 UPDATE: 9:20 p.m.

 Uber is offering up to $50 off two rides to and/or from the American Red Cross shelters for those impacted by the flowing Kilauea volcano lava.

 The company has also disabled dynamic (‘surge’) pricing in the area.

 To request, enter the promo code PUNASAFE in the Payment section of your Uber rider app*.

 Puna evacuation centers:

 >> Kea’au Community Center: 16-186 Pili Mua St, Keaau, HI 96749

 >> Pahoa Community Center: 15-3022 Kauhale Street, Pahoa, HI 96778

 * Ride offer valid for 2 trips (up to $50 per trip) on uberX through 11:59pm HST on 5/7/18 to or from the evacuation locations listed above. Driver-partner earnings will not be affected.

 UPDATE: 9:10 p.m.

 Hawaii Volcano Observatory scientists said tonight that a 492-foot-long fissure erupted with lava for about two hours in Leilani Estates in lower Puna.

 The flowing Kilauea volcano lava traveled a few yards from the fissure and stopped, the scientists said. The eruption is not over, as there continues to be volcanic activity in the area, they stressed.

 “At this point it is wait and see what happens next,” said Janet Babb, HVO geologist.

 UPDATE: 8:25 p.m.

 Hawaii Electric Light employees are going to the Leilani Estates area tonight to disconnect power in the places impacted by the active lava flow.

 Utility personnel are on scene. Although the areas near Mohala Street are without power, crews are doing work to reroute power to maintain electric service for the rest of Leilani Estates that is not impacted by the lava.

 The company expects to have sufficient generation for tonight, despite the emergency shutdown of independent power producer Puna Geothermal Venture. A generation shortfall is not expected.

 UPDATE: 8:15 p.m.

 Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation tonight that “authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for quick and efficient relief caused by the volcanic eruption.”

 The proclamation comes about three hours after a Kilauea volcano lava outbreak inundated a neighborhood in the eastern end of the Leilani Estates residential subdivisionin lower Puna on the Big Island.

 “The lava is flowing onto streets in the subdivision, which consists of about 770 structures,” the governor announced. The lava flow prompted the mandatory evacuation of about 1,700 residents of Leilani Estates.

 “The danger is of such magnitude that it warrants preemptive and protective action in order to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the residents of Leilani Estates and surrounding areas,” the governor office said.

 UPDATE: 7:10 p.m.

 Gov. David Ige has called in the Hawaii National Guard to help with evacuation efforts in lower Puna as a new Kilauea volcano lava outbreak inundates a Leilani Estates neighborhood.

 “I am in contact with Mayor (Harry) Kim, and the state is actively supporting the county’s emergency response efforts,” the governor said in a news release tonight. “I have activated the Hawaii National Guard to provide support to county emergency response personnel to help with evacuations and security. I urge residents in Leilani Estates and the surrounding areas to follow instructions from the county of Hawaii’s Civil Defense Agency. Please be alert and prepare now to keep your family safe.”

 A Hawaii National Guard spokesman told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that additional soldiers will be called up Friday, however he did not have a specific number.

 Acting Hawaii County Mayor Wil Okabe issued a state of emergency declaration earlier this evening. The state of emergency is in effect for the next 60 days or until further action by the county.

 UPDATE 6:55 p.m.

 The American Red Cross has opened a second shelter for lower Puna residents evacuated after a lava flow emerged in a Leilani Estates neighborhood.

 The second shelter is at the Keaau Community Center on 16-186 Pili Mua St. The Red Cross earlier opened a shelter at Pahoa Community Center.

 UPDATE 6:50 p.m.

 Hawaii County police say access to Leilani Estates and Lani Puna subdivisions in lower Puna is now closed due to steam and lava emissions from a crack in the area of Mohala Street, with access granted to residents only.

 Road closures are in effect at Highway 130 and Leilani Boulevard, Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road, and Highway 137 and Pohoiki Road.

 “We are asking that all motorists stay clear of these areas to assist first responders in evacuation efforts. Stay tuned to local news and radio to be informed of updates and any conditions that may affect your safety,” police said.

 Witness Michael Hale told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that after seeing the explosions of lava bursting from the long, fiery fissure just two blocks from his home and business, he found his sense of what’s important dramatically clarified.

 “I looked around and asked myself ‘what’s valuable?’” Hale said, recalling the tense moments before he evacuated Hale Hale Hostel and Vacation Rentals. “In that moment, nothing looked valuable. I filled the (truck) cab with mostly junk and that was it.”

 Just an hour earlier, Hale had heard the first rumblings from a violent breach of steam and lava escaping through a rift along Mohala Street in the Leilani Estates subdivision in Pahoa.

 “I could see the plumes from my roof,” he said.

 In short order, County Civil Defense ordered an evacuation of the eastern end of the subdivision, from Luana Street to Mohala Street.

 Hale ran to one of his nearby rental units to inform his tenants before evacuating to the northern end of the subdivision to await further instructions. Within another hour, Civil Defense extended the evacuation to the entire subdivision.

 Many of the evacuees took shelter at Pahoa Regional Community Center.

 UPDATE 6:25 p.m.

 Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said that shortly before 5 p.m., lava was confirmed at the surface in the eastern end of the Leilani Estates subdivision.

 They said that new ground cracks were reported in Leilani Estates late this afternoon, with white, hot vapor and blue fumes coming from craxks in the eastern end of the subdivision.

 Areas downslope of the erupting vent are at risk of lava inundation, an HVO alert said with the Leilani subdivision appears at greatest risk.

 “The opening phases of fissure eruptions are dynamic. Additional vents and new lava outbreaks may occur and at this time it is not possible to say where new vents may occur,” HVO scientists said.

 >> For more Facebook video on your mobile app, visit https://www.facebook.com/maija.stenback/videos/10215157639749910/

 UPDATE 5:55 p.m.

 Hawaii County Civil Defense has extended the mandatory evacuation to all residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions.

 Lower Puna resident Ikaika Marzo said at 5:30 p.m. that lava fountains were shooting up 150 feet in the air, with molten lava spreading out over an area 200 yards wide behind a house on Mohala Street in Leilani Estates.

 “It sounds like a jet engine. It’s going hard,” he said.

 Marzo, who runs a concession in Kalapana, was urging followers on social media to come to Leilani Estates to help people evacuate.

 >> For more volcano coverage, visit https://808ne.ws/2FIMk5c

 “There are a lot of elderly people who need help to get their stuff out,” Marzo said.

 County officials caution that the intersection at Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road is closed to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.

 Leilani Estates has a population of about 1,500, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

 Drone video courtesy of Jeremiah Osuna shows a stream of lava crossing a wooded area and a roadway. (For mobile app users, click here for the video: https://808ne.ws/2FJwRSM.)

 UPDATE 5:23 p.m.

 Hawaii CountyDepartment of Public Works crews reported steam and lava emissions from a crack in Leilani Subdivision in the area of Mohala Street, officials said late this afternoon.

 County Civil Defense said a mandatory evacuation is in effect for residents in Leilani Estates subdivision from Luana Street to Mohala Street including the lower end of Leilani Avenue to the end of the subdivision to Pohoiki Road.

 The Pahoa Regional Community Center near the new Pahoa Regional Park is open for shelter, officials said.

 “Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible,” they said.

 The intersection at Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road has been closed to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.

 Puna Geothermal Venture is executing their emergency plan and starting to shut down operations at their time, Civil Defense said.

 UPDATE: 5 p.m.

 A new lava flow opened up in Leilani Estates in lower Puna shortly after 4 p.m., prompting Hawaii County Civil Defense officials to start evacuating residents.

 A plume shot up over the large East Hawaii subdivision. The evacuation area stretches from Luana Street to Pohoiki Road, said Kanani Aton of Civil Defense.

 American Red Cross officials said they are opening a shelter at the Pahoa Community Center on Kuahale Street for residents evacuated from their homes due to the lava threat.

 UPDATE: 4:20 p.m.

 Hawaii County Civil Defense officials say the agency is on “high alert on a 24-hour basis for the possibility of a volcanic eruption in the lower Puna area.”

 The entire county emergency response team has been activated, officials said.

 They also issued a new map of the high-risk areas, which run from Puu Oo crater down to Kapoho, including Leilani Estates and Kaohe Homesteads.

 “All areas bordering the east rift zone are at high risk for eruption activities,” said a Hawaii County news released late this afternoon. “Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has identified magma movement in the lower east rift zone. We urge all residents to keep themselves informed and on the alert.”

 County officials said that residents should be on the alert for lava inundation, fire, smoke, methane gas explosion, earthquakes, poor air quality.

 Residents in the high-risk areas are urged to:

 >> Prepare an emergency plan with family members immediately.

 >> Stay informed by listening to the radio.

 >> Report any unusual events to Civil Defense at 935-0031.

 >> Call 935-0031 for special assistance.

 Evacuation shelters will be open as needed, they said

 UPDATE: 12:38 p.m.

 The U.S. Geological Survey has upgraded the size of the 10:30 a.m. earthquake on Kilauea volcano to 5.0 magnitude. USGS had initially listed the quake as magnitude 4.2, then 4.7.

 The quake was centered about 18 miles south-southwest of Hawaiian Paradise Park and 26.6 miles south of Hilo, at a depth of about 4 miles. It is the strongest tremor so far in a series of hundreds of magnitude 2.5 quakes or greater in the east rift zone of the volcano. Scientists say the quakes and increased magma activity are a sign that a lava outbreak is possible. Residents of lower Puna have been warned to be ready to evacuate and to monitor county and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports on the developing situation.

 The USGS “Did you feel it?” website received more than 500 reports from residents throughout Hawaii island.

 “It appears that ground shaking from the earthquake caused rockfalls in the Puu Oo crater on Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone, which resulted in a short-lived plume of reddish ash rising above the cone,” said Tina Neal, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist-in-charge.

 The quake was too small to generate a tsunami.

 UPDATE: 11:50 a.m.

 Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists reported that the 10:30 a.m. quake south of Puu Oo caused rockfalls and a possible additional collapse into the crater on Kilauea volcano.

 The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was magnitude 4.7, the largest so far in hundreds of small tremors in the area in recent days. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said ground shaking from the quake south of Puu Oo on the lower east rift zone led to a short-lived plume of ash from the collapse. The plume lofted skyward and is dissipating as it drifts southwest. “Anyone downwind may experience a dusting of ash,” an HVO report said.

 The earthquake caused no other changes at Kilauea Volcano, scientists said.

 UPDATE: 11:35 a.m.

 Hawaii County police said they have reopened Pohoiki Road between Highway 132 and Leilani Avenue, which had been closed due to the emergence of cracks in the roadway. The cracks are believed to have been caused by the seismic activity and magma movement in the lower east rift zone of Kilauea volcano. Police said a metal plate was placed over the damaged pavement.

 UPDATE: 11:13 a.m.

 A magnitude 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck the south flank of Kilauea Volcano at about 10:30 a.m. today, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported.

 The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the tremor was not large enough to cause a tsunami.

 The latest quake is the largest in hundreds of magnitude 2.5 and larger tremors over the last few days which scientists say is a possible precursor of a new lava outbreak from Kilauea volcano’s lower east rift zone.

 Earlier today, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory reported that there had been a slight drop in intensity of magma intrusion in the area along the east rift zone.The intrusion is not migrating further to the east, according to spokeswoman Janet Babb.

 “There has been some decrease in the seismic deformation but it’s still active,” she said.

 Scientists have indicated an eruption is possible but not imminent. Hawaii Civil Defense officials have warned residents in Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates and Kapoho in lower Puna to remain vigilant.

 Crews are using helicopters today to observe the area and are checking seismometers and global positioning system receivers.

 Meanwhile, Pohoiki Road remains closed between Highway 132 and Leilani Avenue due to cracks. Officials also reported cracks have formed within Leilani Estates.

 No steam was observed emerging from the cracks at this time

 PREVIOUS COVERAGE

 The Hawaii Volcano Observatory has reported that there’s a slight drop in intensity of magma intrusion in the area along the east rift zone.

 The intrusion is not migrating further to the east, according to spokeswoman Janet Babb.

 “There has been some decrease in the seismic deformation but it’s still active,” she said.

 Small earthquakes continue along the east rift zone in lower Puna to Kapoho.

 Scientists indicated an eruption is possible but not imminent. Hawaii Civil Defense officials have warned residents in Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates and Kapoho in lower Puna to remain vigilant.

 Field crews are heading out to the site today via helicopter to observe the area and check on seismometers and global positioning system receivers.

 Meanwhile, Pohoiki Road remains closed between Highway 132 and Leilani Avenue due to cracks. Officials also reported cracks have formed within Leilani Estates.

 No steam was observed emerging from the cracks at this time.

 Emergency Lava Proclamation by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd

 Ige signs lava emergency proclamation by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd ||||| PUNA (KHON2) - Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports a collapse or explosive event with energy equal to a 5.4 magnitude earthquake has occurred at Halemaumau Crater around 1:28 a.m. Wednesday morning.

 The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no Tsunami Threat to the Island of Hawaii.

 The summit event was followed by an increase in lava from fissure 8.

 Eruption activity continues at Fissure 8 and is producing a channel flow to the ocean at Ahalanui.

 Lava is entering the ocean and producing a large laze plume.

 The collapse explosion from Halemaumau Wednesday morning resulted in a lava flow increase into Leilani Estates with additional structures destroyed.

 The Fissure 8 channel is full but not quite up to the rim; there were no significant overflows this morning.

 The southern margin of the flow remained about 1 km (0.6 mi) from Isaac Hale Park this morning.

 Despite no visible surface connection to the fissure 8 channel, lava continues to ooze out at several points on the 6 km (3.7 mi) wide flow front into the ocean.

 Explosions were reported from the main ocean entry this morning with at least one being quite strong.

 Fissure 22 did not appear active this morning but sounds were heard from it last night. No other fissures are active this morning,

 Seismicity has increased as has been the pattern leading up to collapse/explosion events beneath the summit.

 The last event occurred at 3:26 a.m. on July 15 with energy equivalent to a magnitude-5.2 earthquake. We expect a high rate of earthquakes (25-35 per hour) to continue until the next collapse/explosion event occurs later today.

 Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaumau continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit.

 Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity.

 A reminder that N-95 masks that were distributed are for ash or vog particulate and will NOT protect from gasses or vapors, including SO2.

 You can monitor sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website or go directly to www.epa.gov/kilaueaairdata.

 The mandatory evacuation order continues for all areas of Leilani Estates, at Pomaikai Street and to the east. The curfew has been lifted west of Pomaikai and is open only to residents with official credentials.

 Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road, is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road only to residents with official credentials. There is no curfew.

 Whirlwind above the fissure 8 lava...

 As of yesterday 1,015 people have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance either on line, by phone, or at the Disaster Recovery Center or DRC.

 Additionally the Small Business Administration has handled 329 service requests from homeowners and/or businesses at the DRC.

 These are among the many resources that are available to residents of Hawaii County who suffered damage or losses from the Kilauea volcanic eruption and recent earthquakes:

 The DRC is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is located at the Keaau High School Gym.

 Mayor Kim reflects on losing home to...

 Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

 The ocean entry at Kapoho Bay is a hazardous area. Hazards include walking on uneven, glassy lava flow surfaces and around unstable, vertical sea cliffs. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water.

 Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea.

 In several instances, such collapses have also incorporated parts of the older sea cliff.

 Additionally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates laze, a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

 Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible.

 Residents close to any volcanic activity should remain alert and be prepared to voluntarily evacuate if necessary.

 Take action to limit exposure to ash and volcanic gases by staying indoors or leaving the area. The Department of Health recommends limiting outside activities and stay indoors if you have breathing issues. If possible, close the windows and use your air conditioner.

 Click here for an interactive map.

 Related Story: Puna Geothermal Venture deemed stable after lava covers two wells

 Active lava fountain in Puna (courtesy: CNN)

 Because lava has entered the ocean, be aware of laze hazard and stay away from any ocean plume.

 Laze is when hot lava hits the ocean sending hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air.

 This hot, corrosive gas mixture caused two deaths immediately adjacent to the coastal entry point in 2000, when seawater washed across recent and active lava flows. Laze can cause skin and eye irritation and breathing difficulties.

 Also be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.

 The Coast Guard is enforcing a Lava Entry Safety Zone for the navigable waters surrounding active lava flow entries extending 300 meters in all directions.

 The Hawaii Department of Transportation is lowering the speed limit on Highway 130, between Leilani Estates and Kamaili Road, to 25 miles per hour. This is a safety measure for everyone who drives over the steel plates installed over cracks caused by volcanic activity.

 The Fire Department and HVO will be actively monitoring the flows by helicopter.

 Residents of these areas are reminded to protect yourself from ash fallout by remaining indoors or by using dust masks.

 Related Story: People evacuated by helicopter from neighborhood isolated by fast-moving lava

 Civil Defense gives the following tips if you are in an area affected by ashfall.

 If you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities.

 If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving conditions. Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park.

 After the hazard has passed, do check your home, and especially your catchment system for any impact that may affect your water quality.

 Here are some tips on what to do if your catchment system is impacted by ashfall.

 Due to the toxic gas hazard in the affected area, the following are issued:

 Leaving the area of SO2 inundation is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

 Seek medical attention if severely affected.

 Related Link: University of Hawaii’s Vog Measurement and Prediction Project

 Related Story: How to protect yourself from sulfur dioxide in vog, acid rain

 Earthquake activity and ground deformation continue and additional outbreaks in the general area of Leilani Estates are expected.

 According to the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the East Rift Zone intrusion and seismic activity appears to be moving downrift in a northeast direction. Hazardous fumes continue to be released from existing cracks and fissures.

 The location of future outbreaks can't be predicted, but could include areas both uprift (southwest) and downrift (northeast) of the existing fissures, or resumption of activity at existing fissures. Communities downslope of these fissures could be at risk from lava inundation.

 As a precautionary measure, residents of lower Puna, between Kapoho and Kalapana, are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Take this time to prepare.

 Related Story: National Guard plans for mass evacuations should more eruptions occur

 If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Keaau Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly. Click here for more information.

 All beach parks in lower Puna have been closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

 Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is now closed. Officials say it's possible for a steam-induced explosion to occur at the summit of Kilauea Volcano due to the receding lava lake.

 Should such an explosion occur, officials say the ensuing ash fall and southerly wind patterns would also create a public safety threat.

 Related Story: Fear of steam-induced explosion prompts closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 Related Story: Closures due to Kilauea Volcano's latest eruption

 Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist examines cracks on Alaili Road on Tuesday, May 8. (Photo: USGS)

 Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist examines cracks on Alaili Road on Tuesday, May 8. (Photo: USGS)

 Assistance for displaced residents

 Leilani Estates residents will still be allowed to check on their property from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day until further notice, conditions permitting. Residents will be required to provide identification and proof of residency in the subdivision.

 A Recovery Information and Assistance Center (RIAC) will be open at Pahoa Community Center, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can go there to register for entry placards if they wish to retrieve personal items.

 "We've got to make sure we vet everybody as far as making sure that the actual residents or homeowners or renters are going in there and nothing else is happening," said Magno.

 Want to donate? How you can help families displaced by lava

 The Hawaii County Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office have established a policy of zero tolerance towards looting or vandalism. Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism will be treated as a felony.

 Related Story: Pahoa man accused of looting several homes during lava-related evacuation

 Officials urge all visitors to avoid the Leilani Estates area. Sightseeing is not allowed for safety reasons.

 A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect. All aviation requests are administered by the Hawaii Fire Department.

 Residents reflect on disaster ||||| A driver makes a U-turn as the road was blocked by authorities after Hawaii County ordered evacuations for all of Leilani Estates, near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island, Hawaii, Thursday, May 3, 2018,... (Associated Press)

 A driver makes a U-turn as the road was blocked by authorities after Hawaii County ordered evacuations for all of Leilani Estates, near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island, Hawaii, Thursday, May 3, 2018, following eruption of Kilauea volcano. (KHON via AP) (Associated Press)

 HONOLULU (AP) — The Latest on eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano (all times local):

 8:30 p.m.

 Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation after Kilauea Volcano erupted Thursday and a lava flow emerged in a residential neighborhood.

 The proclamation provides state money for response efforts.

 There are about 770 structures in the subdivision where lava is flowing onto the streets on the Big Island.

 A statement released by the governor's office says the "danger is of such magnitude that it warrants preemptive and protective action in order to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the residents."

 Ige says he's in contact with Hawaii County officials and supporting emergency response efforts. Ige also activated the Hawaii National Guard to help with mandatory evacuations and security.

 ___

 8:10 p.m.

 Volcano officials in Hawaii say there is no way to predict how long this latest eruption on Kilauea Volcano will continue.

 The Big Island volcano began erupting Thursday, sending lava flowing through a subdivision and prompting the evacuation of about 1,500 residents. It was not an explosive event, where lava shoots skyward in dramatic fashion.

 Asta Miklius is a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. She tells The Associated Press that there quite a bit of magma in the volcano's system.

 She says it won't be an eruption that only lasts hours. But she says how long it will last will depend on whether the summit magma reservoir gets involved.

 7:25 p.m.

 One Hawaii resident described a line of lava snaking through forest land as a "curtain of fire."

 Jeremiah Osuna captured the footage of the lava stream with a drone after Kilauea Volcano erupted Thursday on Hawaii's Big Island. Residents of a subdivision have been ordered to evacuate after lava flows appeared in the Leilani Estates neighborhood

 Osuna says it wasn't just a visual experience. He tells Honolulu television station KOHN that the sound was overwhelming. The only thing comparable is if someone "put a bunch of rocks into a dryer' and turned it on high.

 He also says he could smell the sulfur, along with the burning trees and other vegetation.

 ___

 6:35 p.m.

 One resident on the southern part of Hawaii's Big Island says lava fountains were shooting 150 feet (45 meters) in the air through a crack at Kilauea volcano.

 Ikaika Marzo told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that lava spread out over an area about 200 yards (182 meters) wide behind one house in Leilani (LAY-lah-nee) Estates on Thursday.

 He says it sounds like a jet engine.

 The U.S. Geological Survey says new ground cracks were reported Thursday afternoon. Hot vapor emerged from a crack and spattering lava began to erupt.

 Hawaii County is ordering evacuations for all homes in Leilani Estates.

 ___

 6:05 p.m.

 Hawaii County is expanding its evacuation order in response to the eruption of Kilauea volcano.

 The county is now calling for all residents in the Leilani (LAY-lah-nee) Estates subdivision to evacuate. Earlier, the order was limited to just part of neighborhood.

 The subdivision on the Big Island has a population of about 1,500 people.

 The U.S. Geological Survey says new ground cracks were reported Thursday afternoon. Hot vapor emerged from a crack and spattering lava began to erupt.

 The USGS says areas downslope of the erupting vent are at risk of being covered by lava. Currently, the Leilani Estates area appears to be at greatest risk.

 But scientists say new vents and outbreaks could occur and it's not possible to say where.

 ___

 5 p.m.

 Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is releasing red lava into a residential subdivision, prompting the county to order mandatory evacuations.

 Hawaii County spokeswoman Janet Snyder said Thursday red lava emerged on Mohala Street in the Leilani Estates subdivision. The county is ordering evacuations for homes from Luana Street to Pohohiki Road.

 The eruption comes after days of earthquakes rocked the Puna district of the Big Island.

 Earlier in the week, the crater floor of the Puu Oo (POO'-oo OH'-oh) vent collapsed. That caused magma to push more than 10 miles downslope toward the populated southeast coastline of the island. |||||
A summary of this is?

– Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has erupted, prompting Gov. David Ige to declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard. Soldiers have been called in to assist with the mandatory evacuation of the Leilani Estates neighborhood in the Puna district of Big Island, which is in danger of being inundated by lava, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports. The eruption sent lava flowing through the subdivision, where vapor is emerging from cracks, and witnesses say they saw fountains of lava rising around 150 feet from a crack in the volcano, reports the AP. Emergency shelters have been opened for around 1,700 people affected by the evacuation order. The eruption follows hundreds of earthquakes over the period of several days, most of them around 2.0 magnitude, CNN reports. The most severe was a 5.0 magnitude earthquake Thursday morning, according to the US Geological Survey. One local man tells KHON 2 that he flew his drone near a "curtain of fire" moving toward residential areas. "It sounded like if you were to put a bunch of rocks into a dryer and turn it on as high as you could," he says. "You could just smell sulfur and burning trees and underbrush and stuff." Scientists say there's a lot of magma in the extremely active volcano's reservoir and they're not sure how long the eruption will last.


Article:
The British government is making urgent preparations to cope with the fallout of a possible Greek exit from the single currency, after the governor of the Bank of England, Sir Mervyn King, warned that Europe was "tearing itself apart".

 Reports from Athens that massive sums of money were being spirited out of the country intensified concern in London about the impact of a splintering of the eurozone on a UK economy that is stuck in double-dip recession. One estimate put the cost to the EU of Greece making a disorderly exit from the currency at $1tn, 5% of output.

 Officials in the United States are also nervously watching the growing crisis: Barack Obama on Wednesday described it as a "headwind" that could threaten the fragile American recovery.

 In a speech in Manchester before flying to the United States for a summit of G8 leaders, the British prime minister, David Cameron, will say the eurozone "either has to make up or it is looking at a potential breakup", adding that the choice for Europe's leaders cannot be long delayed.

 "Either Europe has a committed, stable, successful eurozone with an effective firewall, well capitalised and regulated banks, a system of fiscal burden sharing, and supportive monetary policy across the eurozone, or we are in uncharted territory which carries huge risks for everybody.

 "Whichever path is chosen, I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect this country and secure our economy and financial system."

 Officials from the Bank, the Treasury and the Financial Services Authority are drawing up plans in the expectation that a Greek departure from monetary union – increasingly seen as inevitable by financial markets – could be as damaging to the global economy as the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008.

 With a second election in Greece called for 17 June, King dropped a strong hint that the Bank would take fresh steps to stimulate growth if policymakers in Europe failed to deal with the sovereign debt crisis.

 "We have been through a big global financial crisis, the biggest downturn in world output since the 1930s, the biggest banking crisis in this country's history, the biggest fiscal deficit in our peacetime history and our biggest trading partner, the euro area, is tearing itself apart without any obvious solution," he said.

 Doug McWilliams, of the Centre for Economic and Business Research, said a planned breakup of the single currency would cost 2% of EU GDP ($300bn) but a disorderly collapse would result in a 5% drop in output, a $1tn loss. "The end of the euro in its current form is a certainty," he added.

 Alistair Darling, who was Chancellor of the Exchequer under the former Labour administration, said: "This has the seeds of something disastrous. It is madness. If it spreads to bigger countries, this could be really disastrous for Europe. It could consign us to years of stagnation."

 Capital flight from Greece has increased since it became clear that a coalition government could not be formed after the election earlier this month. The Greek president, Karolos Papoulias, said citizens were withdrawing their money amid "great fear that could develop into panic" at the risk of a debt default and exit from the euro area, according to minutes of their meetings posted on the presidency's website. In little more than a week following the election on 6 May, €3bn was withdrawn from bank accounts. The central bank reported that €800m was taken out in a single day earlier this week.

 The head of the International Institute of Finance banking lobby, Charles Dallara, said money was leaving Greece at a growing pace due to political uncertainty. "There has been a pickup of deposit flight from Greece, but I think that is stabilisable once you get a new government in place, if that government reaffirms its intention to remain in the eurozone." The damage to the rest of Europe if Greece were to leave the euro would be "somewhere between catastrophic and armageddon", he said.

 The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, told parliament that his country faced trouble financing itself as borrowing costs shoot up to "astronomic" levels. The Irish finance minister, Michael Noonan, said Dublin's plan to return to capital markets in late 2013 might not be achievable because of the uncertainty.

 The first meeting between French president François Hollande and German chancellor Angela Merkel helped to calm nerves in the markets at one stage, with suggestions that Berlin might be amenable to initiatives to boost growth in Greece and the other austerity-stricken nations of the eurozone.

 But the jittery mood was underlined by a fall in European shares and the single currency late in the day amid reports that the European Central Bank was cutting off its funding lifeline to Greek banks that had failed to amass enough capital to protect them from future losses.

 The ECB later said it expected the Greek central bank to use part of the €130bn bailout from the EU and IMF to ensure that the country's banks were safeguarded from collapse, and that they would receive additional help from Frankfurt only once this had happened. Already delayed by the political uncertainty in Greece, €18bn is now expected to be released to recapitalise the banks.

 Sony Kapoor, of the Brussels-based Re-Define thinktank, said: "The high-stakes game of chicken between Greek and other EU politicians must end now. Those saying that a Greek exit from the eurozone will not be a big deal either don't know what they are talking about, or have some ulterior motives. The social, political and economic damage to the EU from a Greek exit is potentially incalculable."

 At the G8 summit, which starts on Friday, Obama will press Merkel to lean more towards a growth package for Europe, instead of pressing so hard for the austerity measures that were rejected by Greek voters.

 But foreign affairs analysts said that Obama's leverage with the European leaders is minimal. Although the US has the economic muscle to help Europe out of its mess, the Obama administration has taken the strategic decision not to become involved directly.

 Instead, Obama is to use the Camp David summit for some quiet diplomacy, hoping to sway Merkel to endorse some immediate actions to help growth.

 King, speaking at the publication of the Bank of England's quarterly inflation report, said growth in Britain was weaker and inflation higher than Threadneedle Street had expected three months ago. It would take until 2014 for output to return to where it was in 2008, when Britain's deepest post-war recession began.

 "What is so depressing about it is that this is a rerun of the debates in 2007/08 – these are not liquidity problems, they are solvency problems," King said. "Imbalances between countries in the euro area have created creditors and debtors and at some point the credit losses will need to be recognised and absorbed and shared around," he said.

 "Until that is done, there will not be a resolution. That is why just kicking the can down the road is not an answer. The European Central Bank has performed heroically in trying to buy time but that time hasn't been used to put in place fundamental underlying solutions."

 • This article was amended on 23 May 2012. The orginal said a estimate put the cost of a disorderly collapse of the euro at 5% of eurozone GDP, about $1tn. That has been corrected to 5% of EU output. ||||| FRANKFURT A Greek exit from the euro zone could expose the European Central Bank and the currency bloc it seeks to protect to hundreds of billions of euros in losses, landing Germany and its partners with a crippling bill.

 A Greek departure would take Europe into uncharted legal waters. The size of the burden other euro zone states could bear gives them a powerful incentive to keep Greece in the currency club.

 With most of Greek's private creditors having taken heavy writedowns as part of the country's second, 130 billion euros bailout, it is estimated that the ECB, International Monetary Fund and euro zone nations hold approaching 200 billion of its debt.

 "In the event of an exit, they (Greece) will default. And the loss given default will probably be very high, high enough to eliminate the ECB's capital," said Andrew Bosomworth, senior portfolio manager at asset manager Pimco.

 "They might need recapitalization from governments, who are not exactly in the best position to provide additional capital."

 Those are not the only losses the ECB and its national shareholders might face as is explained in detail below.

 Even once Greece had left the currency club, the costs to the rest of the euro zone would continue to mount as it would probably be compelled to avert a complete Greek collapse and wider contagion.

 "Large-scale ECB intervention would be necessary to stabilize the system, along with intervention from Germany, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), its predecessor the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and the IMF, potentially costing hundreds of billions of euros," said Georgios Tsapouris, investment strategist at Coutts.

 The ECB, which has its own paid-in capital of 6.4 billion euros, is essentially a joint venture between the 17 euro zone national central banks (NCBs). Combined, the Eurosystem of euro zone central banks has capital and reserves of 86 billion euros.

 The national central banks would divide up any losses between them according to the 'capital key' - the ECB's measure of countries' stakes in its financing based on economic size and population. Germany would bear the biggest loss, some 27 percent of the total.

 France would take a big hit too.

 A Greek exit from the euro zone could cost the French taxpayer up to 66.4 billion euros and saddle the country's banking system with 20 billion euros in lost loans, according to a study published on Tuesday by the IESEG School of Management in Lille.

 Smaller countries with less robust national central banks than the German Bundesbank would likely be still harder hit in relative terms.

 "The ECB and some of the NCBs with little loss-absorbing capital and reserves relative to their share of how a loss would be allocated across the Eurosystem would potentially see their capital and revaluation reserves written off," Bosomworth said.

 However, with fresh Greek elections called for June 17 and an anti-bailout leftist party ahead in the polls, some within the EU's corridors of power wonder whether the show is worth keeping on the road.

 "It's going to hurt, absolutely. But is it going to be lethal?" one EU diplomat said. "We have two bad choices, but one is worse than the other."

 TRIPLE WHAMMY

 The ECB and national central banks are exposed to Greece in three main ways: via Greek sovereign bonds the ECB holds, via Greek collateral they hold in return for ECB loans and via Greece's liabilities for transactions over the euro zone's TARGET2 payments system.

 The ECB has spent about 38 billion euros on Greek government debt with a face value of about 50 billion euros.

 Under a scenario described in German weekly Der Spiegel, the euro zone's EFSF bailout fund could be used in the event of a Greek default to continue funding Greece's debt obligations to the ECB.

 However, this would eat into the resources of the 'firewall', eroding its capacity to help other euro zone states which might well need to be protected if a Greek exit sparked contagion.

 An alternative scenario could see the national central banks turning to their governments to recapitalize the ECB. But going cap in hand to politicians for money they are desperately short of risks undermining the ECB's independence.

 ECB loans to Greek banks are another way the central bank is exposed but in this case, although the ECB conducts these medium- and long-term lending operations (MROs and LTROs), the funds are distributed via the national central banks and carried on their balance sheets.

 A Bank of Greece financial statement on its website showed that as of January 31 it had lent out some 15 billion euros in MROs and 58 billion euros in LTROs - a total of 73 billion.

 It was holding 143 billion euros in assets eligible as collateral for euro zone monetary policy operations.

 Berenberg Bank economist Christian Schulz said that in the event of a Greek exit these loans and most of the collateral may be converted into a new Greek currency.

 "The ECB/Eurosystem would not bear the risk anymore," he added, noting that the Bank of Greece would instead be left with the - likely devalued - loans and collateral.

 TARGET RISK

 But any funds Greek banks had taken using ECB loan operations that had subsequently found their way out of Greece could pose a problem. These would be added to the Bank of Greece's liabilities under the TARGET2 payments system.

 The Bank of Greece and other peripheral euro zone countries have built up liabilities within the euro zone's cross-border payment system, TARGET2, due to a net outflow of payments to other countries in the bloc, a trend exacerbated by the debt crisis.

 The Bank of Greece's financial statement showed that as of January it was carrying TARGET2 liabilities of 107 billion euros - a sum that has likely remained around that level since and which represents a big potential problem for the other euro zone central banks.

 "TARGET2 is the biggest risk if they really take that loss," said Schulz, adding that a Bank of Greece collapse would leave central banks remaining in the euro zone with a loss.

 "But it's far from clear whether the full TARGET2 balance would be what Europe would lose," he added.

 The ECB could monetize any net TARGET2 loss in the event of a Greek euro exit by printing money but that would come with an inflationary effect unpalatable to policymakers in Germany, the bloc's most powerful player.

 Beyond the accounting implications for euro zone central banks is the systemic impact a Greek euro exit would have on the bloc's banking system. Savers in other periphery countries are likely to take flight.

 "If they see that Greek savers have seen their euro savings overnight being converted into drachma, which could depreciate by 50-70 percent, then it would be a fairly simple hedge strategy for them to take out some of their savings and put them into Luxembourg, or pounds sterling, or Swiss francs," said Bosomworth.

 Ultimately, Greece will decide whether it leaves the euro zone but the ECB can try to head off such a scenario.

 ECB President Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that "our strong preference is that Greece will continue to stay in the euro zone".

 "What they can do is try to prevent contagion - where they have a very significant role - and they will probably also try to convince participants on all sides to keep Greece in the euro area," said Citigroup economist Juergen Michels.

 (Additional reporting by Sinead Cruise, writing by Paul Carrel, editing by Mike Peacock and Janet McBride) ||||| Greek Syriza leader Tsipras attacks EU and Merkel

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 Greek left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras has accused the EU and German Chancellor Angela Merkel of "playing poker with European people's lives" by insisting on austerity measures.

 Mr Tsipras' Syriza bloc is predicted to come first in new elections called for 17 June. Syriza wants to renegotiate Greece's international bailout.

 At least 700m euros (£560m; $890m) was withdrawn from Greek banks in the week until Monday, the Greek president said.

 But there are no signs of a bank run.

 'Poverty and hardship'

 In a BBC interview, Mr Tsipras said if the "disease of austerity destroys Greece, it will spread to the rest of Europe".

 Banks were profiting at the expense of thousands of Europeans - in Spain and Italy, as well as Greece - left in poverty and hardship, he said.

 "Therefore the European leadership and especially Mrs Merkel need to stop playing poker with the lives of people," Mr Tsipras said.

 Syriza came second in inconclusive elections on 6 May, in which no party won a majority or was able to form a coalition.

 Syriza refused to join any government which would continue with the austerity measures demanded by the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in return for a bailout of 130bn euros ($170bn; £105bn).

 Continue reading the main story Panagiotis Pikrammenos President of the Hellenic Supreme Administrative Court

 Born in Athens in 1945

 Studied law in Athens and Paris

 Legal adviser to the Greek prime minister 1991-93

 Also served as director of national school of judges Source: Greek Council of State

 Final talks to form a government failed on Tuesday, raising new concerns over Greece's eurozone future.

 Council of State president and judge Panagiotis Pikrammenos has been sworn in as interim prime minister to head a government until the elections next month.

 Early Thursday, he appointed a senior finance ministry official, George Zanias, as the country's new finance minister and a former conservative minister, Petros Moliviatis, as foreign minister.

 "It is clear to all that our homeland is going through difficult times," Mr Pikrammenos said after accepting the mandate from President Papoulias.

 "We must safeguard its prestige and assure a smooth transition."

 He joked that he had read in the press that the English translation of his name was "embittered" - making him suited to be the last prime minister of a political era.

 The rest of the government will be sworn in on Thursday.

 "[Greek central bank chief George] Provopoulos told me there was no panic, but there was great fear that could develop into a panic," President Karolos Papoulias was quoted as saying in minutes of talks on Tuesday with the political parties.

 The Financial Times newspaper quotes Athens-based bankers as saying withdrawals exceeded 1.2bn euros on Monday and Tuesday - 0.75% of deposits.

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 However, there were no signs of panic or queues outside banks in Athens on Wednesday.

 European Central Bank (ECB) Governor Mario Draghi and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy both said on Wednesday they wanted Greece to remain in the euro.

 "I want to state that the governing council's strong preference is that Greece will continue to stay in the euro area," Mr Draghi said.

 The Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Mervyn King, warned that the eurozone was "tearing itself apart" and the UK economy would not escape "unscathed".

 He told a news conference that the euro area posed the greatest threat to the UK recovery, and there was a "risk of a storm heading our way from the continent".

 The interim government will be sworn in on Thursday. |||||Summary:

– Europe has hundreds of billions of reasons to try to keep Greece from unceremoniously ditching the eurozone. If Greece leaves, the rest of Europe would face catastrophic losses, Reuters reports. Greece would default on the roughly $250 billion in debt held by the ECB, IMF, and other eurozone nations, and that loss will likely be "high enough to eliminate the ECB's capital," one investor said. And the losses wouldn't end there because Europe would still probably have to prevent a total collapse or risk economic contagion. How bad could it get? One Guardian estimate puts the total cost at $1 trillion. But it's looking increasingly unlikely Greece will abide by its bailout deal; new elections are looming, and polls favor Alexis Tsipras' far-left party. In a BBC interview, Tsipras urged Europe, and particularly Angela Merkel, to "stop playing poker with the lives of people" by demanding such harsh austerity measures. That defiance has some European decision-makers pushing to rip the Band-Aid off and boot Greece. "It's going to hurt, absolutely," one diplomat tells Reuters. "But is it going to be lethal?"


Article:

In this screen grab provided by the Life.ru, the wreckage of a AN-148 plane is seen in Stepanovskoye village, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Domodedovo airport, Russia, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018.... (Associated Press)

 In this screen grab provided by the Life.ru, the wreckage of a AN-148 plane is seen in Stepanovskoye village, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Domodedovo airport, Russia, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. Russia's Emergencies Ministry says a passenger plane has crashed near Moscow and fragments of it have... (Associated Press)

 MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian passenger plane carrying 71 people crashed near Moscow shortly after taking off from one of the city's airports Sunday. The country's transportation minister said there were no survivors.

 The Saratov Airlines regional jet disappeared from radar screens a few minutes after departing from Domodedovo Airport en route to Orsk, a city some 1,500 kilometers (1,000 miles) southeast of Moscow.

 Fragments from the Antonov An-148 airliner were found in the Ramenskoye area, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the airport. Footage on state television showed them strewn across a snowy field with no buildings nearby. No on the ground casualties were reported.

 Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said Sunday afternoon that "judging by everything, no one has survived this crash." He did not give the number of people on board, but Russian news reports said the plane carried 65 passengers and six crew members.

 Russia's Investigative Committee said all possible causes were being explored.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin put off a planned trip to Sochi in order to closely monitor the investigation. Putin was to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Monday in the Black Sea resort, where the president has an official residence.

 Instead, Abbas will meet with Putin in Moscow in the latter part of Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

 The An-148 was developed by Ukraine's Antonov company in the early 2000s and manufactured in both Ukraine and Russia. Russian state news agency Tass said the plane that crashed had been flying since 2010, with a two-year break because of a shortage of parts.

 The plane was ordered by Rossiya Airlines, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, but was put into storage during 2015-2017 because of the parts shortage. Tass reported that it re-entered service for Saratov Airlines in February 2017.

 Shabby equipment and poor supervision had plagued Russian civil aviation for years after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, but its safety record has improved markedly in recent years.

 The last large-scale crash in Russia occurred on Dec. 25, 2016, when a Tu-154 operated by the Russian Defense Ministry on its way to Syria crashed into the Black Sea minutes after takeoff from the southern Russian city of Sochi. All 92 people on board were killed.

 In March 2016, a Boeing 737-800 flown by FlyDubai crashed while landing at Rostov-on-Don, killing all 62 people aboard.

 An onboard bomb destroyed a Russian Metrojet airliner soon after taking off from Egypt's Sharm al-Sheikh resort, killing 224 people in October 2015.

 ---=

 This version has been corrected to show the 2015 Metrojet bombing killed 224 people, not 244. ||||| MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian passenger plane crashed near Moscow soon after take-off on Sunday, killing all 71 people on board, and investigators said they were looking at all possible causes.

 Temperatures were around minus 5 degrees Celsius with periodic snowfall when the short-haul AN-148 operated by Saratov Airlines took off for the city of Orsk in Orenburg region, about 900 miles (1,500 km) southeast of the capital.

 President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to those who had lost relatives and ordered a special investigative commission to be set up.

 “According to preliminary information, nobody survived,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

 The office of Russia’s transport prosecutor said all 71 people on board had been killed. Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov confirmed there were no survivors and said DNA tests would be needed to identify the dead.

 TV images of the crash site showed wreckage of the plane, including at least one engine, lying in fields covered with thick snow.

 Helicopters were at the scene as well as rescuers on snowmobiles. An official of the Emergency Situations Ministry said two bodies and a flight recorder had been found.

 Debris and human remains were spread over a radius of a kilometer from the crash site, investigators said.

 They said they had opened a criminal case into the incident. Among the possible causes they listed were weather conditions, human error and the plane’s technical condition. No distress signals had been received from the crew.

 The plane, manufactured in 2010, had been carrying 65 passengers and six crew. It disappeared from radar screens shortly after taking off from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport.

 Interfax news agency said one Swiss national had been among the passengers.

 Elena Voronova, a spokeswoman for Saratov Airlines, said there had been no concerns about the technical condition of the plane, which went into service with her company in 2016.

 Slideshow (11 Images)

 Images broadcast on state TV showed relatives waiting at Orsk airport, some with their heads in their hands.

 The city’s mayor told the Rossiya 24 TV channel a team of psychologists was working at the airport to comfort people. ||||| Saratov Airlines flight 6W703 crashes after take off from Domodedovo airport, leaving no survivors

 More than 70 people died when a Russian passenger plane crashed shortly after take-off from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport on Sunday, officials say.

 Saratov Airlines flight 6W703 was heading to Orsk, a city near Russia’s border with Kazakhstan, when it went down near the town of Argunovo, about 50 miles south-east of Moscow. Witnesses said the plane, an Antonov An-148 aircraft, was in flames as it fell from the sky.

 The plane was carrying 71 people – 65 passengers and six crew members. Emergency services officials told the Tass news agency there were no survivors. Wreckage from the plane was reported to be spread over a large area and it was unclear if there were any casualties among people on the ground.

 Russia’s gazeta.ru website cited unnamed investigators as saying the pilot had reported a technical malfunction and asked for clearance for an emergency landing at the nearby Zhukovsky International airport. Officials have not confirmed the report. Other reports said one of the plane’s engines may have exploded before the crash.

 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Russian emergency vehicles arriving at the site of the crash. Photograph: Dmitry Serebryakov/AFP/Getty Images

 The transport ministry said several causes were being considered, including weather conditions and human error.

 The flight-tracking site Flightradar24 tweeted that the seven-year-old passenger jet had gone into a steep descent five minutes after take-off, after which it had vanished from radars.

 The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, expressed his condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the crash and ordered the government to set up a special commission to investigate.

 A source from Russia’s emergency services told Interfax the 71 people on board had no chance of survival.

 Russian state television aired a video of the crash site, showing parts of the wreckage in the snow. Russia has experienced record snowfalls in recent days and visibility was reportedly poor.

 The Russian-made plane had been bought by Saratov from another Russian airline a year ago.

 Russian media reported that the emergency services had been unable to reach the crash site by road and rescue workers had walked to the scene on foot. Emergency services said that more than 150 rescue workers had been deployed.

 The Russian transport minister was on his way to the crash site, agencies reported. The transport ministry said several causes for the crash were being considered, including weather conditions and human error.

 The governor of the Orenburg region, which the plane was flying to, told Russian media more than 60 people on the plane were from the region.

 Local media website Ural56.ru in the Orenburg region showed footage of distressed relatives at Orsk airport, where the plane was due to land. Andrei Odintsov, the mayor of Orsk told Russian state television that six psychologists and four ambulances with medics were working with the relatives in the small airport.

 Plane crashes are common in Russia, where airlines often operate ageing aircraft in testing conditions. A light aircraft crashed in November in the far east of the country, killing six people on board.

 A military plane carrying Russia’s Red Army Choir crashed after taking off from the Black Sea resort of Sochi in December 2016, killing all 92 people on board. The choir had been due to give a concert to Russian troops in Syria. Pilot error was blamed for the crash.

 In March 2016, all 62 passengers died when a FlyDubai jet crashed in bad weather during an aborted landing at Rostov-on-Don airport. |||||
What is a summary?

– The unfortunate big development after Sunday's crash of a passenger jet outside Moscow comes from the country's transportation minister. "Judging by everything, no one has survived this crash," says Maxim Sokolov. Here is what is known: The victims: Sixty-five passengers and six crew members were aboard the plane, and the BBC reports that most of the passengers were from the Russian region of Orenburg in the Ural mountains. The cause: Way too early to tell. Investigators are looking into weather conditions (it was about 23 degrees Fahrenheit), human error, and the technical condition of the Antonov An-148 airliner, reports Reuters. But Russia's Investigative Committee wasn't ruling anything out at this point, reports the AP. After takeoff: The plane went down shortly after takeoff from Domodedovo Airport en route to Orsk, about 1,000 miles southeast of Moscow. Fragments of the plane were scattered about a large, remote region near the village of Argunovo. Engine explosion? The Guardian cites unconfirmed reports in Russian media that the captain had requested permission for an emergency landing at a nearby airport after reporting a technical malfunction. Witnesses reported seeing the plane in flames as it fell, leading to speculation that an engine had exploded before the crash. End of streak: This is the first crash of a commercial airliner in more than a year, following a sterling aviation record in 2017, notes the BBC. Putin: He offered his condolences to the families of victims and delayed a trip to the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where he planned to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Monday.


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– At least six newlywed brides in India have left their husbands because their new homes lacked a toilet, reports the Times of India. The six returned to their parents' homes in protest and vow not to go back until their in-laws get proper plumbing. The newspaper describes the women's actions as raising "the banner of revolt," because the issue is anything but trivial in India. The UN recently warned about the widespread problem of open defecation in poor areas, and India's prime minister vowed last week to tackle the issue, notes the BBC. "We are in the 21st century and yet there is still no dignity for women as they have to go out in the open to defecate and they have to wait for darkness to fall," said Narendra Modi in his speech. It's not just a sanitary issue, either. The gang rape of two teen cousins in India earlier this year occurred when they went to fields near their homes in the evening. A group called Sulabh International has promised to install toilets for the six newlyweds at no cost, with its founder hailing "the changing mindset" in the country. (A recent fashion shoot in India provoked fury because it was seemingly inspired by a gang rape.)

LUCKNOW: At least half-a-dozen newly-wed brides belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities in Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh have raised the banner of revolt against their in-laws over lack of toilets in their household. The newly-wed brides have also returned to their parents' house barely within a couple of weeks of their marriage and are adamant not to go back (to their husbands' place) until toilets are built.

 However, these girls can draw solace from the fact that Sulabh International has decided to redress their grievances, and would be constructing toilets in the said households. According to reports emanating from Kushinagar; Neelam, Kalawati, Shakina, Niranjan, Gudiya and Sita of Khesiya village of Kushinagar protested against their husbands and in-laws when they found that there were no toilets in their houses. After spending couple of days, they returned to their father's home.

 After getting this news, Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak announced that toilets will be built at all the six household, where the newly-wed brides have raised the banner of revolt. Reacting to the development, Pathak termed the revolt by these brides as a bold and extraordinary. He said, "Such kind of rising incidents clearly show the changing mindset of girls over toilets. Now everybody is realising the importance of toilets."

 He further added that the toilets would be constructed by Sulabh International free of cost without any delay, so that they (newly-wed brides) can return to their in-laws' place soon. They will also be honoured for their bold stand, he informed.

 Earlier,a bride of UP's Maharajganj district, Priyanka Bharti, was honoured for taking bold steps for construction of a toilet in her in-laws' house. Now she works as a Sulabh motivator and also appeared with a Bollywood actress in a sanitation advertisement. "Priyanka motivated other women of her village to persuade their partners to build toilets in Maharajganj district," Pathak pointed out.

 According to a World Bank report, lack of toilets and other proper sanitation costs India nearly $54 billion a year through hygiene-related illnesses, loss of productivity and a host of other problems. The menace is especially acute in rural areas, where women suffer the most due to lack of toilets.

 "Women have to wait for darkness for the sake of privacy before attending to the call of nature. They have to leave before sunrise or wait for the sun to go down," Dr Pathak said, adding that a UN study in 2010 found more people in India have access to a mobile phone than to a toilet.

 As Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged parliamentarians and the corporate sector to help build separate toilets for girls in schools, Pathak hoped India will become an open defecation free country soon.

 "For the first time in the country's history, the issue of toilet for girls found mention in the speech of any prime minister," he said. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the PM urged all parliamentarians to invest their MPLAD funds for building toilets in every school. ||||| Image caption The women said they would return only after their husbands had built proper toilets at home

 Six newlywed women in a village in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have returned to their parents because their husbands' homes had no toilets.

 The women, all from Khesiya village in Kushinagar district, said they would return only after their husbands had built proper toilets at home.

 Nearly half of India's 1.2 billion people have no toilets at home.

 Campaigners say the problem is acute in rural India and it is the women who suffer most.

 One of the brides, Gudiya, told BBC Hindi that it was very troublesome to go to the fields.

 "My parents have a toilet at home, but there is no toilet in my husband Ramesh Sharma's home. Going outdoors was a big hassle, so I fought with him and returned to my parents."

 Neelam Sharma, Sakina, Seeta, Nazrum Nisa and Kalavati are the others who have left their marital homes for the same reason.

 Ashima Parveen, who lives in Khesiya village, said all six women had wed in the past year or 18 months.

 "In villages, it is not easy for a new bride to step out of her home because here people believe in the purdah [covering the face with a veil]. In this weather when it's raining and there is water logging everywhere, it gets very difficult for these women to go out to the fields."

 A lack of toilets also exposes women to a risk of attack.

 In his Independence Day speech last Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to end open defecation.

 "We are in the 21st Century and yet there is still no dignity for women as they have to go out in the open to defecate and they have to wait for darkness to fall," he said.

 "Can you imagine the number of problems they have to face because of this?" he asked. |||||


– The Book of Eli is almost certainly the best post-apocalypic Christian action movie you'll see this year, say critics, although many were put off by the preaching. The directors scored with the casting—Denzel Washington as a grizzled gunslinger protecting the world's last Bible—the fight scenes and the explosions, Derek Malcolm of the Evening Standard writes in a spoiler-laden review. But the message is overkill. "The result is like The Road rewritten by Sarah Palin for the greater good of Alaska and mankind." Bill Goodykoontz of the Arizona Republic was more tolerant, with the over-the-top violence putting him in mind of the film version of a never-written graphic novel. "If one must wander a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape with somebody," he asks, "who better to wander with than Denzel Washington?" Claudia Puig at USA Today agrees about Washington, but finds poetic psalms uttered amid stylized violence disconcerting. Religion and bloodshed." she writes, "make queasy entertainment partners." And Owen Glieberman of Entertainment Weekly thinks the post-apocalyptic road movie genre, now about 35 years old, is showing its age. Eli is a "ponderous dystopian bummer that might be described as The Road Warrior without car chases, or The Road without humanity," he writes.

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Enlarge Warner Bros. Pictures Existing in a demolished world, Eli (Denzel Washington) keeps to himself. When he's challenged, his machete does the talking for him. ABOUT THE MOVIE ABOUT THE MOVIE The Book of Eli

 * * out of four Stars: Denzel Washington , Mila Kunis,

 Gary Oldman , Jennifer Beals, Malcolm McDowell, Tom Waits

 Directors: Albert and Allen Hughes

 Distributor: Warner Bros.

 Rating: R for some brutal violence

 and language

 Running time: 1 hour, 57 minutes

 Opens Friday nationwide Post-apocalyptic desolation is spreading like a contagion. MEET THE DIRECTORS: Allen and Albert Hughes open up GETTING BIBLICAL: Hollywood gets religion TRAILER: Get a read on 'The Book of Eli' FAITH AND REASON BLOG: Is every scripture-inspired script worthwhile? A month ago we had The Road, and a month before that it was 2012. The latest end-of-the-world movie is The Book of Eli, which looks as if it borrowed some of the ravaged landscape, battered clapboard houses and marauding extras from the world inhabited by Viggo Mortensen in The Road. Computer-generated images of toppled skyscrapers, severed freeways, decaying cars and rotting skeletons look numbingly familiar. But while devastation, disaster and brutality reign in all three movies, the difference here is the strident religious message. Poetic psalms uttered amid stylized violence are disconcerting. Religion and bloodshed, though linked through much of history, make queasy entertainment partners. An attractively grizzled Denzel Washington plays the enigmatic Eli, a true believer with quasi-mystical fighting skills. He walks the barren roads, fending off desperate highwaymen, with a leather-bound King James Bible stowed carefully in his ragged knapsack. Having received what he believes is divine revelation, Eli is on a mission to a place he refers to as "west." He tries to avoid confrontation but puts up a hellacious fight if challenged. Only Eli and a few others remember how things were before the war that destroyed their world. Young people have not been taught to read. One of the few literates with potent memories is Carnegie (Gary Oldman in over-the-top villainous mode), a venal, self-styled dictator of a re-populated ghost town. When Carnegie learns that Eli has the book he's seeking, he's determined to wrest it away, for nefarious purposes. Carnegie tries to manipulate his adopted daughter, Solara (Mila Kunis), as he controls her mother, Claudia (Jennifer Beals). The feisty Solara sees in Eli a way out of her oppressive existence. But Kunis seems miscast. Vacuous and far too glam, she looks as if she dropped in from a Ray-Ban commercial. In an interview, Washington once recounted a pivotal story from his youth. A patron at his mother's hair salon known locally for being able to predict the future told him he would speak to millions, in the way of a preacher. Washington, who produced the film, seems to have taken the words of this neighborhood fortuneteller to heart. But his monosyllabic performance falls short of moving us. He keeps to himself, either passively listening to music on earphones or aggressively carving off the hand of someone who crossed him. "You lay that hand on me again and you will not get it back," he informs a hooligan before applying his magical machete. So much for turning the other cheek. Despite his admiration for Scripture, Eli is vicious. He also is selective about on whom he bestows kindness. He endangers an elderly couple (Michael Gambon and Frances de la Tour) and is unmoved when they are slain. He'll protect Solara, a pretty young girl, but let her abused mother fend for herself. A didactic and humorless Western, Eli is too laborious for an action film and too brutal to be an inspirational tale. With its handsomely moody look, it seems more like an extended music video. Mostly, Eli is hampered by drab performances and a ponderous story. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more ||||| "The Book of Eli" plays out like the film version of a great graphic novel that no one ever got around to writing.

 Its over-the-top violence is cartoonish at times, menacing at others - which is a good thing. And truly, if one must wander a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape with somebody, who better to wander with than Denzel Washington?

 Washington is Eli, a man who has been walking for the 30 years since war laid waste to the planet. Survivors have long since turned desperate; imagine a cross between the worlds of "The Road" and "Mad Max" and you'll have an idea. It has gotten so grim that when strangers show up in a town, the first thing they're asked to do is hold out their hands, to see if they're steady. It seems that too much cannibalism leaves you with the shakes.

 Along with the provisions Eli scrounges along the way, he carries, with great care, a book. To him, it's clearly more than that, though. It's a totem of sorts, and he guards it with his life.

 There's much to guard it against, of course. But your run-of-the-mill roving savage is nothing compared with Carnegie (Gary Oldman). He runs the town that Eli finds himself in, and he wants the book, badly. He has, in fact, searched the world for it for years, sending bands of marauders out to find it. Its contents, he's convinced, are all he lacks to take over what's left of the world.

 Eli, naturally, will have none of it. He hasn't guarded the book all this time to hand it over to a guy so obviously devious that he lacks only a handlebar mustache to twirl. So he leaves the town, albeit violently, with Solara (Mila Kunis) in tow; she's had enough of Carnegie's mistreatment of her and her mother, Claudia (Jennifer Beals). (Like some survivors of the war, Claudia was blinded; Carnegie isn't exactly the picture of compassion.)

 A chase ensues, turning "The Book of Eli" into a mash-up of road trip action-adventure fare and that old reliable, the buddy movie.

 The film is better when Eli is on his own, frankly; Kunis is a fine-enough actress, but this is Washington at his most tail-kicking, if occasionally comic-book, intense - brooding, silent until pushed too far. But Solara does give him someone to protect and, more importantly, someone to explain the book's contents and importance to (although most of the audience will have figured that out long before).

 "The Book of Eli" is directed by the Hughes brothers, from a script by Gary Whitta. They bring the right touch to it, for the most part, though things get heavy-handed toward the end, when the message of the film is laid on a bit thick.

 The fun here is in watching Washington, a sort of avenging angel, and Oldman, who has a ball with Carnegie's trumped-up accent and scheming. Throw in the stylized look of the ruined landscape and you have a most agreeable film.

 One note: There is a bit of a twist, not obvious (at least not to me), which I pass along solely to heighten your observation of the film's details. It's more fun that way.

 Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. Twitter: goodyk. ||||| The clouds are gray, the scorched earth is gray, and the age-old nuclear ash falling from the sky is gray. If you look closely at Denzel Washington, as he saunters in slow motion through a bombed-out hotel lobby full of rotten-toothed ruffians, you can see that his hair and beard are flecked with gray as well. Is it just our imagination, or is the aridly desolate post-apocalyptic road movie showing its age? In the last 35 years or so, there have been an awful lot of them, going back to A Boy and His Dog (1976) and, of course, The Road Warrior (1982)  the greatest of all futuristic wasteland thrillers  and, most recently, The Road. I'm not sure if anyone was clamoring for another one of these films just now, but one thing is certain: We don't need The Book of Eli, a ponderous dystopian bummer that might be described as The Road Warrior without car chases, or The Road without humanity.

 What's left? A lot of wide-open barren desert space shot from music-video angles (think the Red Hot Chili Peppers' ''Give It Away''). The directors, Allen and Albert Hughes, do their best to make the landscape threatening by filling it with a token sprinkle of homicidal bikers and cannibals, plus Gary Oldman as an evil ringleader whose scariest aspect is his harshly photographed skin. Roving through it all is Washington's Eli, a monosyllabic lone gunslinger in a signature outfit of sunglasses, kaffiyeh, and knapsack packed with lethal blade. He's a mystical avenger who has been wandering through the wilderness for 30 years, toting a leather-bound King James Bible from which he plucks ominous quotes. He makes apocalyptic prophecy sound like a rerun.

 I'd be willing to forgive The Book of Eli its portentous sins if it had kick-ass action scenes, and every so often Eli does slice and dice the stuffing out of half a dozen hooligans at once, or he presides over a gun battle in which the bullets clatter and echo with full-metal zing. But those are just about the only scenes in the movie that have a pulse. At their best, the Hughes brothers have been brilliant directors: Their first film, the 1993 mind-of-a-gangbanger classic Menace II Society (made when they were just 20), established them as visceral and psychological prodigies, and the criminally underrated From Hell (2001) was a gothic-shock serial-killer mystery that featured Johnny Depp in one of his finest performances. (Had he been the mainstream superstar he is today back when the film was released, it might have been a sensation.) The Book of Eli is the first Hughes brothers movie that feels stripped of drama, imagination, sensibility. Some may find the film worth sitting through simply for its final ''Whoa!'' of a twist, but the Hughes brothers direct most of it as if they were glorified end-of-the-world set decorators. The Book of Eli is like a movie based on a graphic novel you don't want to read. D

 See all of this week's reviews ||||| 1. Nowhere Boy Sam Taylor-Wood's portrait of the young John Lennon (Aaron Johnston) is a touching coming-of-age tale. 2. My Father My Lord An astonishingly sure first feature from Israeli David Volach, set deep within an ultra-Orthodox family in Jerusalem. 3. Sherlock Holmes Robert Downey Jr is a kick-ass super sleuth and Jude Law a terrific Watson in Guy Ritchie's spectacular reboot of the Victorian detective series. 4. Avatar Avatar's $300 budget was money well spent. 5. Where the Wild Things Are Captures both the darkness and innocence of childhood — just don’t take the kids.

 Critics' Choice

 Andrew O'Hagan

 What a performance for Andy Serkis. His Ian Dury comes across as a profoundly human piece of work

 Henry Hitchings

 The cast's physical feats are so accomplished that one can lose sight of the risks they involve

 Bruce Dessau

 A lot of comedians have emerged to challenge Connolly for the mainstream stand-up crown, but the Big Yin is holding on like an ageing prizefighter

 Reader reviews

 Simon, LDN

 As a bafta member I have seen this film three times. And it is brilliant on many levels.

 Nicky, London

 Bring us a new show Cirque, we've seen this one before!

 Nihal, Watford

 As a long time hip hop fan, I have no hesitation in stating that Soweto Kinch is better than 90% of the 'full time' rappers |||||