Earthquakes rattle Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone

Increased earthquake activity and rates of ground deformation at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone began at approximately 11 a.m. where about 40 earthquakes were detected, the largest of which was a magnitude-3.1.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is watching the situation closely. Currently, there are no signs of an imminent eruption, however, conditions could change quickly. Past eruptive activity in this area of Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone has typically occurred between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Rates of seismicity and ground deformation beneath the lower East Rift Zone and Southwest Rift Zone remain low. Current activity is restricted to the summit and upper East Rift Zone region.

The Volcano Alert Level/Aviation Color Code for Kīlauea remains at ADVISORY/YELLOW.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Kīlauea for any changes and will issue additional notices as needed.

HVO is in close contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

For more information about the meaning of volcano alert levels and aviation color codes, click here.