A slow-moving river of molten lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano crept over residential and farm property on Hawaii's Big Island on Wednesday, threatening dozens of homes.

The lava flow has been slogging towards the village of Pahoa for weeks.

Moving at speeds of 10 to 15 yards an hour, it has now reached the community's outskirts.

No mandatory evacuations have been ordered, but about a dozen residents and business owners closest to the leading edge are prepared to leave.

The flow of molten rock, topping temperatures of 1,650 F (900 C), is expected to eventually reach the ocean, still 6 miles (10 km) away, authorities said.