6.0 quake causes some damage in West Hawaiʻi on Big Island : Big Island Now

Key Points:

• A magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck the west flank of Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaiʻi Island shortly before 10 p.m. on May 22, causing light to moderate damage, including rock slides, road closures, power outages, and structural shifts.
• The quake triggered rock slides on Highway 11 and Nāpōʻopoʻo Road in South Kona, leading to temporary road closures and ongoing cleanup efforts, with some debris remaining on road sides.
• Approximately 70 of 1,000 affected Hawaiian Electric customers remained without power as of 10 a.m. Saturday, with crews actively working on restoration; minor damage was reported at Kona Community Hospital, which remained operational.
• The earthquake, caused by tectonic plate stress rather than volcanic activity, had no impact on Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes, and no tsunami threat was issued.
• Aftershocks followed the main quake, including a magnitude-3.2 and a magnitude-2.6 event, but these were smaller and less damaging; authorities urge residents to assess property damage and report issues to Civil Defense.