Mild 4.1-magnitude earthquake shakes western flank of Mauna Loa on Big Island
COURTESY USGS
The star in this U.S. Geological Survey map marks the location of a mild earthquake this morning on the western flank of Mauna Loa.
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake shook the western flank of Mauna Loa this morning.
The earthquake occurred at 7:44 a.m. about 24 miles east-southeast of Kailua-Kona at a depth of about 3 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said the earthquake was not large enough to generate a tsunami.
Civil Defense officials warned the public of possible after-shocks.
The USGS “Did you feel it?” self-reported online survey generated about 130 responses from throughout the island soon after the quake, with the vast majority from Kailua-Kona.
The USGS’ Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said light shaking was reported across Hawaii island, but damage to buildings or structures is not expected.
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HVO acting Scientist-in-Charge David Phillips said in a news release that the earthquake had no apparent effect on Kilauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes.
“We do not currently observe any changes in activity at Kilauea or Mauna Loa as a result of this earthquake. Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and may be felt. HVO continues to monitor Kilauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes,” he said.
HVO scientists said the earthquake occurred in an area that has experienced seismicity over the past several years, but quakes in that area are usually smaller than magnitude-2.
