No tsunami alert was issued after a magnitude 4.5 earthquake on Sunday, March 20, 2022 in the Waikoloa region of Hawaii Island.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports that “No tsunami is expected … but some areas may have experienced cavalry.
The USGS reports that the quake was located 13 miles from Waimea and occurred at a depth of 23.4 km. The distance and direction of the epicenter to the neighboring places includes the following:
- Waimea, Hawaii, 13.3 mi NNW
- Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 31.9 mi WSW
- Hilo, Hawaii, 32.2 km ESE
- Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii, 42.8 miles ESE
- Honolulu, Hawaii, 178.9 mi NW
There were over 200 felt responses to the USGS “Did you feel it?” Website within the first 40 minutes of individuals who felt the quake. Most responses came from Kamuela, Waikoloa and Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island.
The quake also shook Kula, Haʻikū, Makawao, Kahului and Wailuku on Maui, according to USGS data.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the region around the Mauna Kea summit has persistent deep earthquake activity. Scientists estimate that the area has more than 30 small earthquakes each year at depths more than 20 km.
According to HVO, the northwestern flank of Mauna Kea has experienced nine earthquakes larger than magnitude-4.0 in the last 60 years. “Deep earthquakes in this region are most likely caused by the structural adjustment of the earth’s crust due to the heavy load on Mauna Kea,” according to the HVO.
Scientists say that Mauna Kea is a shield volcano in the post-shield stage, and last erupted about 4,600 years ago.
HVO acting scientist-in-charge David Phillips said: “This earthquake was felt far across the island of Hawaii and throughout the state. Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and can be felt. This earthquake is not associated with volcanic activity and HVO data flow show no impact on Mauna Loa or Kilauea at this time.The eruption of Kīlauea continues, with all recent activity limited to the summit in Halema’uma’u crater and with no indication of activity migrating elsewhere.HVO continues to monitor Hawaii volcanoes for any changes.
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