American Notes HAWAII

It bore a disconcerting resemblance to an asphalt driveway on the move and gone berserk. As an immense flow of 2000 degrees F lava from Kilauea volcano oozed across Hawaii's Big Island, one dwelling after another smoldered, then burst into flames. Roads were buried, palm trees and utility poles snapped and fell. At least 53 homes in the sleepy village of Kalapana have been destroyed since April, and all 300 residents had been evacuated by the weekend.

Some volunteers remained behind to move the historic Star of the Sea Roman Catholic church -- a structure noted for its interior wall paintings -- out of the path of destruction. By the time the lava flow sputters off into the ocean, Kalapana will be no more. Says Harry Kim, Hawaii County's civil-defense chief: "This community is finished. This land won't be productive for 150 years."