Yesterday at 12:43 p.m. HST, a magnitude-4.5 earthquake occurred 6 miles ENE of Pāhala at a depth of 20 miles below sea level.  The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.

The earthquake is part of the seismic swarm under the Pāhala area, which has been going on since 2019.  The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.

EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION  

• Magnitude: 4.5 (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv73156112)
• Date and time: September 27, at 12:43 p.m. HST
• Location: 6 mi (9 km) ENE of Pāhala, Island of Hawaiʻi
• Depth: 20 mi (32 km) below sea level
• Aftershocks are possible in the coming days to weeks

INTENSITY OF EARTHQUAKES AND AFFECTED AREAS

• Potential Damage: No damage to buildings or infrastructure expected based on earthquake intensity
• Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: IV—Light Shaking (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
• Felt Reports: More than 200 within the first half an hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
• Felt Area: Across the Island of Hawaiʻi

For more information visit USGS.gov