UMVA has learned that a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii's Big Island on Friday night, sending shockwaves through the region just before 10 p.m. local time.
The earthquake occurred at a critical time, as experts are closely monitoring Kilauea, an active volcano on the Big Island that has been erupting intermittently throughout May and is expected to blow its top again in the coming days.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the epicenter of the quake was located about seven miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, a coastal town on the southwest side of the island, and was characterized by strong to very strong shaking on the west side of the Island of Hawaii.
The earthquake triggered a series of aftershocks and was felt by over 2,500 residents, who reported to authorities that they experienced intense shaking from the event. The quake's impact was significant, with the geological agency noting that the depth, location, and recorded seismic waves suggested it was caused by stress due to the weight of the Hawaiian island chain.
Despite concerns about the volcano's impending eruption, the geological agency confirmed that the earthquake was unrelated to Kilauea's recent eruptions. Nevertheless, officials continue to monitor the volcano closely, warning that it is likely to erupt again between May 24 and May 27.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that no tsunami warning has been issued in connection with the earthquake, providing some relief to residents and visitors in the region. The situation remains fluid, with authorities maintaining a close watch on both the volcano and seismic activity in the area.
