Yesterday at 5:17 p.m. HST, a magnitude-4.4 earthquake occurred near the town of Volcano at a depth of 14 miles below sea level.

The size and location of the earthquake indicate it is related to flexing of the oceanic crust buried deep below the island, and not directly related to volcanic activity. It is also not an aftershock of the magnitude-5.1 earthquake that took place on Monday, December 4. There have been no detectable changes in activity at nearby Kīlauea volcano as a result of the quake.

No damage to buildings or infrastructure is expected based on earthquake intensity , however over 150 people reported feeling it within first half hour of striking.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor for any changes.