Hazard Notification System (HANS) for Volcanoes
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
U.S. Geological Survey
Friday, May 5, 2023, 9:51 PM HST (Saturday, May 6, 2023, 07:51 UTC)
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
On Friday, May 5, at 4:26 p.m. HST, a magnitude-3.0 earthquake occurred 22 mi (35 km) east-northeast offshore of Waimānalo Beach, Island of Oʻahu, at a depth of 5 mi (9 km) below sea level. The earthquake was felt on the south and eastern parts of Oʻahu. Reported shaking intensity on social media was weak to light (II-III on the Modified Mercalli scale) and no damage is expected.
USGS National Earthquake Information Center Maps and Reports for this Event: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000k9z6/executive
The location suggests a source due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain, a common origin for earthquakes occuring away from the Island of Hawaiʻi . The event is not related to volcanic processes.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION
- Magnitude: 3.0
- Date and time: May 5, 2023, 4:26 p.m. HST
- Location: 23 mi (35 km) east-northeast of Waimānalo
- Depth: 6 mi (9 km) below sea level
- Aftershocks are possible, but not likely to be felt
EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY AND AFFECTED AREA
- Potential Damage: No damage expected.
- Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: II-III—Weak shaking based upon social med (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
- Felt Reports: More than 3 in the first hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
- Felt Area: Island of Oʻahu
- 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/us6000k9z6/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