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6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Hawaii's Big Island Amid Volcanic Eruption Warnings
Hawaii’s Big Island rocked by 6.0 magnitude earthquake as forecasts suggest volcano could erupt in coming days
Image: The Independent
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii's Big Island near Honaunau-Napoopoo, causing light to strong shaking felt across multiple islands. While minor damage was reported, no tsunami threat was issued. Concurrently, forecasts indicate a potential eruption at Kilauea volcano could occur between May 24 and May 27, 2024.
- 01The earthquake occurred at a depth of 23 kilometers (about 14 miles), affecting residents on the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu.
- 02Over 2,500 residents reported feeling the earthquake, which caused minor damage and rockslides but no injuries.
- 03The U.S. Geological Survey stated the earthquake was not related to volcanic activity, attributing it to stress from the oceanic plate.
- 04Kilauea volcano has been erupting intermittently since December 23, 2024, and is closely monitored by scientists.
- 05Forecast models predict a possible eruption at Kilauea between May 24 and May 27, 2024, although volcanic eruptions are difficult to predict.
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On Friday night, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo on Hawaii's Big Island, startling residents and prompting scientific monitoring of nearby volcanic activity. The earthquake originated 23 kilometers (14 miles) below the surface, allowing tremors to be felt across the Big Island as well as on Maui and Oahu. Reports indicated over 2,500 residents experienced light to strong shaking, leading to minor damage and some rockslides, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat. Fortunately, there were no immediate injuries or significant structural damage reported. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) clarified that the earthquake was unrelated to volcanic activity, explaining it was caused by stress from the bending of the oceanic plate due to the weight of the Hawaiian islands. Meanwhile, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has forecasted that the next eruptive episode at Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, could occur between May 24 and May 27, 2024. Despite ongoing eruptions since December 23, 2024, officials warn that volcanic activity is unpredictable.
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Residents of Hawaii's Big Island and surrounding islands may experience aftershocks and increased volcanic activity.
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