A nearly 44-acre lava bench in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park collapsed into the ocean last week, scientists reported.

The collapse of the East Lae'apuki delta, which was created by lava from Kilauea Volcano entering the sea and then hardening, could have been related to either the passing of Hurricane Flossie or a 5.4-magnitude earthquake on Monday, officials at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

Officials said they do not know exactly when the collapse occurred because access to the site and viewing conditions had been limited by weather and surf conditions related to the storm. The collapse was first reported by a tour pilot flying over the area.

"It's totally gone," said Jim Kauahikaua, scientist-in-charge at the observatory.

No one was injured in the collapse of the lava bench.

Such lava collapses are common in the area as the lava cools as it enters the ocean and then is eventually undermined by the area's strong surf, but this was the largest such collapse in recent years. In May, a 16-acre lava bench disappeared into the ocean in the same area.

Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has been erupting continuously since 1983, with the East Lae'apuki area serving as one of the main ocean entry points for its lava.

The U.S. Geological Survey last night reported that lava from a fissure on Kilauea's flank was feeding a new flow that had advanced 1.4 miles since Monday.

Kilauea's Pu'u 'O'o crater was shrouded in thick fumes yesterday and largely hidden from view, but new, widening cracking was seen around its rim of the crater, scientists said in their daily briefing. Seismic activity in the area remained slightly above normal, officials said.