USGS HVO Information Statement — Magnitude-4.2 earthquake beneath Mauna Loa’s southeast flank

The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) recorded a magnitude-4.2 earthquake located beneath Mauna Loa's southeast flank on Wednesday, March 10, at 2:21 p.m., HST.  

The earthquake epicenter was 17 km (11 miles) NNE of Pāhala in the vicinity of the Kaʻōiki Pali with a depth of approximately 26 km (16 miles) below sea level. A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes. More details are available at the National Earthquake Information Center website at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv72379532.  

Moderate shaking, with maximum Intensity of V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, has been reported across the Island of Hawai‘i. At that intensity, damage to buildings or structures is not expected.  The USGS "Did you feel it?" service (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/) received over 300 felt reports within the first hour of the earthquake, including reports from Maui, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.   

According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge Ken Hon, the earthquake had no apparent effect on Kīlauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes. “We do not currently observe any changes in activity at Kīlauea or Mauna Loa as a result of this earthquake. Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and may be felt. HVO continues to monitor Kīlauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.”  

Today's earthquake does not represent a significant departure from the seismic activity observed over the past year, so the Volcano Alert Level for Mauna Loa will remain at ADVISORY. Other Mauna Loa monitoring data streams show no significant change in deformation rates or patterns that would indicate increased volcanic hazard at this time.  

For information on recent earthquakes in Hawaii and eruption updates, visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory.