If the people had a mortgage, they still owe the monthly payments, even if they are not allowed to return. Generally, if they were inured, insurance should cover the loss of the house IF it was damaged by burning. Being covered with liquid rock is generally not covered.

The county will restrict people from going back into certain areas because of the lack of roads, inability for emergency crews to get in, lack of utilities and danger from gas, lava and new fissures. Things must settle down considerably before people are allowed to resettle there. The county is also trying to protect what little people still own in these areas by limiting who can get in and for what purpose.

Tourism has taken a big hit. People cancelled because of vog and not knowing or understanding just how big the Big Island really is (The size of Connecticut by the way). Most people would be staying 60 miles or so from this event.

There is some smoke/vog in the air, but it is better than most cities if you are away from the actual flow. We have had that haze for weeks now and it has kept that famous ocean view hidden for people a few miles from the beach.