Some damage possible from strong to very strong shaking reported from magnitude
Big Island Now • • nation
Key Points:
- A magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck the west flank of Mauna Loa on Hawaiʻi Island at 9:46 p.m. on May 22, causing strong to very strong shaking and potential light to moderate damage.
- The quake, occurring about 7.5 miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo at a depth of over 15 miles, was attributed to tectonic plate stress rather than volcanic activity, with no impact on Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.
- Landslides caused by the earthquake led to road closures and debris cleanup on Nāpōʻopoʻo Road and Highway 11, with authorities advising the public to avoid these areas and drive cautiously if travel is necessary.
- Over 2,660 felt reports were submitted within the first hour, including distant reports from Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, and aftershocks of smaller magnitudes have occurred, with ongoing monitoring by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
- Residents are urged to check for damage to homes and utilities, report any issues to Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, and remain alert for additional aftershocks in the coming days.