USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-HVO-2023-04-26T23:01:22-07:00

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
U.S. Geological Survey
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 8:10 PM HST (Thursday, April 27, 2023, 06:10 UTC)

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT

On Wednesday, April 26, at 7:27 p.m. HST, a magnitude-3.9 earthquake occurred 6 mi (10 km) north-northeast of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, Island of Hawaiʻi, at a depth of 16 mi (26 km) below sea level. The earthquake was widely felt on the Island of Hawaiʻi, with 110 felt reports in the first half-hour. Reported shaking intensity was light (IV on the Modified Mercalli scale) and little or no damage is expected.

USGS National Earthquake Information Center Maps and Reports for this Event: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv73378297/executive

The depth, location, and recorded seismic waves of the earthquake suggest a source due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain, a common source for earthquakes in this area. The event is likely related to stress from the weight of the island on the underlying ocean crust and was not directly related to volcanic processes. The earthquake had no apparent impact on Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, or Hualālai volcanoes.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.

EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION

Magnitude: 3.9
Date and time: April 26, 2023, 7:27 p.m. HST
Location: 6 mi (10 km) north-northeast of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, Island of Hawaiʻi
Depth: 16 mi (26 km) below sea level
Aftershocks are possible in the coming days to weeks

EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY AND AFFECTED AREA

Potential Damage: Little or no damage expected.
Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: IV—Light shaking (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
Felt Reports: 110 within the first half-hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
Felt Area: Island of Hawaiʻi
Visit NOAA’s Tsunami Warning Center website for updated information: https://www.tsunami.gov/

EARTHQUAKE MAPS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USGS National Earthquake Information Center Maps and Reports for this Event: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv73378297/executive
USGS-HVO Interactive Earthquake Map of Hawaiʻi: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

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Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes