Hazard Notification System (HANS) for Volcanoes
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
U.S. Geological Survey
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 7:44 PM HST (Monday, March 27, 2023, 05:44 UTC)
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
On Sunday, March 26, at 6:39 p.m. HST, a magnitude-4.1 earthquake occurred on Kamaʻehuakanaloa (Lō‘ihi) volcano, 32 mi (52 km) southeast of Nāʻālehu, Island of Hawaiʻi, at a depth of 4.8 mi (7.8 km) below sea level. The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.
The earthquake was preceded by M3.1 and M3.2 earthquakes on Kamaʻehuakanaloa occurring over the past 12 hours. It is unknown whether these events were caused by any volcanic or intrusive activity on Kamaʻehuakanaloa, but the earthquakes have had no apparent effect on Kīlauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes. Aftershocks are possible and could be felt.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION
Magnitude: 4.1
Date and time: March 26, 2023, 6:39 p.m. HST
Location: 32mi (52 km) southeast of Nāʻālehu, Island of Hawaiʻi
Depth: 4.8 mi (7.8 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: II—Weak shaking (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
Felt Reports: Three within first hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
Felt Area: Southern portion of the 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/hv73350092/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:
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
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