4.0 Earthquake Shakes Nā‘ālehu

On Sunday at 6:43 p.m., the United States Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded a 4.0 magnitude earthquake located in the Ka‘ū District.

Twenty felt reports were recorded for the earthquake on the USGS “Did you Feel it?” website. Most of the reports were from the Nā‘ālehu area within an hour of the earthquake. Around the epicenter, weak shaking was reported.

According to Wes Thelen, HVO’s Ssismic Network Manager, “The earth quake was centered about 11 km (7 mi) north of Nā‘ālehu at a depth of 5.4 km (3.4 mi).”

No detectable changes were made to the ongoing Kilauea Volcano’s eruption, on Mauna Loa, or other active volcanos on the Big Island.

In the past 50 years, the area north of Nā‘ālehu has experienced eight earthquakes, including Sunday’s, with magnitudes greater than 4.0 and at depths of 0-10 km (0-6.2 mi).

Hawai’i residents are reminded to be prepared for earthquakes. The second annual Great Hawaii Shakeout is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m. This is an opportunity for people throughout the State to practice “Drop! Cover! Hold on!” actions that are proven to reduce injury in an earthquake. For more details on the event visit The Great Hawai’i ShakeOut Website.