Lava samples from the devastating volcanic eruptions on Hawaii's Big Island are being analyzed at Hamilton College.

The eruptions from Kilauea volcano began on May 3, since opening up 17 fissures throughout the area.

So far, samples from five different fissures have been sent to geologists at Hamilton College's Analytical Laboratory. They say their analysis, combined with data collected by other scientists, will help the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory better understand the progression of the current eruption and predict future eruptions.

"To actually see young rocks just a few days after they formed and to know that we're providing data to scientists who are monitoring this active and potentially hazardous situation, that this is data that's going to help them understand what's going on. So it's important data and it's nice to be involved in that," said geosciences professor David Bailey.

Many people have been evacuated from their homes. Last week, President Donald Trump approved federal disaster assistance.