UMVA has learned that a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii's Big Island on Friday night, just before 10 p.m., sending shockwaves across the region.
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, with a potential for another major eruption looming in the coming days.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the earthquake was centered about 7 miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, a town on the southwest coast of Hawaii, and was caused by stress resulting from the bending of the oceanic plate under the weight of the Hawaiian island chain.
The quake unleashed strong to very strong shaking on the west side of the Island of Hawaii, triggering several aftershocks and prompting over 2,500 residents to report feeling the intense tremors to authorities.
While the earthquake was not directly related to Kilauea's recent eruptions, officials continue to closely monitor the volcano, which is expected to blow its top again between May 24 and May 27, heightening concerns for the island's residents and visitors.
Fortunately, no tsunami warning has been issued in connection with the earthquake, offering some relief to those in the affected areas, but the situation remains precarious as the region remains on high alert.
