USGS HVO Information Statement — Magnitude-5.2 earthquake north of Waipiʻo Valley, Island of Hawai‘i
A magnitude-5.2 earthquake located to the north of the Island of Hawai‘i, was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) on July 5, at 1:43 p.m. HST.
The earthquake was centered less than 5 km (3 miles) north and offshore of Waipiʻo Valley, at a depth of 27 km (17 miles) below sea level. A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthqu…. More details are available at the National Earthquake Information Center website at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv72565662/.
Strong shaking, with a maximum intensity of V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, has been reported across the districts of Kohala. At that intensity, significant damage to buildings or structures is not expected. The USGS “Did You Feel It?” service (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/) received 1100 felt reports within the first hour of the earthquake. Felt reports have been reported as far away as Kaua‘i.
According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge, Ken Hon, the earthquake had no observable impact on Kīlauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes. “This earthquake is related to stress from the weight of the island on the underlying ocean crust and mantle. These earthquakes are relatively common and not directly related to volcanic processes. Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and may be felt. HVO continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes. The Alert Levels / Color Codes remain at ADVISORY/YELLOW for Kīlauea and Mauna Loa at this time.”
The largest previous earthquake in the area was a magnitude-4.2 that occurred on October 30, 2010 and was located 7 km (4 miles) east of Kukuihaele at a depth of 33 km (21 miles).
For information on recent earthquakes in Hawaii and volcano updates, visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory.
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