Magnitude 4.6 earthquake strikes Big Island right after abrupt ending of Kīlauea eruption

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck 9 miles south-southeast of Fern Forest on the Island of Hawaiʻi on Tuesday at 11:49 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 3 miles below sea level, had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes. There also is no tsumani threat, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The event followed the end of episode 37 lava fountaining on Kīlauea by 10 minutes, but does not appear directly related to the eruption, the federal agency said.

No damage to buildings or infrastructure expected based on earthquake intensity.

But the earthquake’s shaking was wildly felt across the island. More than 200 Felt Reports were recorded within the first hour. And it increased to nearly 500 in the first five hours.

Most earthquakes in this region are caused by movement of the south flank of Kīlauea. The location, depth and waveforms recorded as part of Tuesday’s earthquake are consistent with slip along south flank faults.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.

Earthquake maps and more information:

• USGS National Earthquake Information Center Maps and Reports for this Event: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv74837442
• USGS-HVO Interactive Earthquake Map of Hawaiʻi: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes