More than 1,500 residents were ordered to evacuate from their homes after Volcano erupted in US state of Hawaii, sending molten lava to chew its way through forest land and bubble up on paved streets.

According to reports, Volcano officials couldn’t predict how long Thursday’s eruption may last, prompting Hawaii’s governor to activate the National Guard to help with evacuations and provide security to about 770 structures left empty when residents sought shelter.

Hawaii County officials said steam and lava poured out of a crack in Leilani Estates, which is near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island.

Footage shown on local television showed lava spurting into the sky from a crack in a road. Aerial drone footage showed a line of lava snaking through a forest.

There were no immediate reports of injuries but reports claim community centres were opened to provide shelter for the affected people.

Officials had been warning residents all week they should be prepared to evacuate as an eruption would give little warning.