Yesterday evening, two earthquakes struck Hawaiʻi Island within minutes of each other.
At 6:28 p.m. HST, a magnitude-4.6 earthquake occurred beneath Kama‘ehuakanaloa (Lō‘ihi seamount), 26 mi ESE of Nā‘ālehu, south of Hawaiʻi Island at a depth of 7 mi below sea level. Less than an hour earlier, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred 6 miles ENE of Pāhala, at a depth of 21 mi below sea level. The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes. This quake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.
In a statement HVO Scientist-in-Charge Ken said, “This second quake is a relatively shallow earthquake that occurred in the vicinity of the earthquake swarm that took place within Kamaʻehukanaloa from July 16th to 18th and may represent stress release related to this event. There is no sign that this is related to renewed magmatic activity. It is also unusual to have two moderate earthquakes occur so close in time and proximity, but there is no apparent relationship between the two events.” according to Hon.
HVO continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes. Below is further information regarding both quakes:
EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION
- Magnitude: 4.6
- Date and Time: July 26, 2022, at 6:28 p.m. HST
- Location: 27 mi (43 km) ESE of Nā‘ālehu, south of the Island of Hawaiʻi
- Depth: 7 mi (11 km) below sea level
- Aftershocks are possible in the coming days to weeks
EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY AND AFFECTED AREA
- Potential Damage: No damage to buildings or infrastructure expected based on earthquake intensity
- Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: IV—light shaking (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
- Felt Reports: More than 25 within first hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
- Felt Area: Across the Island of Hawaiʻi
EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION
- Magnitude: 4.3 (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv73089002 )
- Date and time: July 26, 2022, at 5:46 p.m. HST
- Location: 6 mi (9 km) ENE of Pāhala, Island of Hawaiʻi
- Depth: 21 mi (34 km) below sea level
- Aftershocks are possible in the coming days to weeks
INTENSITY OF EARTHQUAKES AND AFFECTED AREAS
- Potential Damage: No damage to buildings or infrastructure expected based on earthquake intensity
- Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: IV—Light Shaking (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
- Felt Reports: More than 130 within the first half hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
- Felt Area: Across the Island of Hawaiʻi (plus three from Oʻahu)
