A magnitude-5.2 earthquake located to the north of the Island of Hawai‘i, was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) on July 5, at 1:43 p.m. HST.
The earthquake was centered less than 5 km (3 miles) north and offshore of Waipiʻo Valley, at a depth of 27 km (17 miles) below sea level.
Strong shaking, with a maximum intensity of V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, has been reported across the districts of Kohala. At that intensity, significant damage to buildings or structures is not expected. The USGS “Did You Feel It?” service received 1100 felt reports within the first hour of the earthquake. Felt reports were reported from as far away as Kaua‘i.
According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge, Ken Hon, the earthquake had no observable impact on Kīlauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes. In a statement Hon said, “this earthquake is related to stress from the weight of the island on the underlying ocean crust and mantle. These earthquakes are relatively common and not directly related to volcanic processes. Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and may be felt. HVO continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes. The Alert Levels / Color Codes remain at ADVISORY/YELLOW for Kīlauea and Mauna Loa at this time.”
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports the earthquake was not large enough to cause a tsunami threat to the Island of Hawaiʻi.
