Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on the planet and is in a “highly unstable” state, scientists say.
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake was the strongest of a series of earthquakes to hit Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, The largest active volcano on the planetwhich scientists say is in a “state of extreme instability”.
Friday’s series of earthquakes began with a 4.6-magnitude quake 24 seconds before a larger 5.0 quake, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory said in a statement issued by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The Observatory said: “Two larger earthquakes were reported by hundreds of people from the Island of Hawai’i and felt to a lesser extent across the entire State of Hawai’i.
“Shaking from larger earthquakes can be strong enough to cause minor localized damage, especially to older buildings,” it said.
Earthquakes precede previous eruptions of Mauna Loa, although they are often larger than those experienced by Fridays, the observatory said.
If you need any more encouragement to take part in The Great Hawai’i ShakeOut – the world’s largest earthquake drill – Mauna Loa has some on it today! Join us Thursday, October 20 at 10:20 a.m. HST… Register here: https://t.co/sjJOd7KL7P pic.twitter.com/7uXRoxowMB
– Hawaii EMA (@Hawaii_EMA) October 14, 2022
The observatory added: “There was no immediate effect on the unrest that continued below the summit of Mauna Loa, which remained at the same high level as last week,” the observatory added.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth said there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. He said there was some minor damage in the town of Pahala afterward, but he could not immediately provide details.
Aftershocks can continue for a few days to possibly weeks and can be large enough to be felt. Scientists at the observatory are closely monitoring Mauna Loa for changes.
Hundreds of responses on the USGS earthquake website report mild to mild shaking across the vast island.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami risk for Hawaii.
Mauna Lao is on a yellow advisory alert meaning it is being observed but there is no indication that an eruption is imminent.
HVO Mauna Loa YELLOW / CONSULTING – Magnitude-5.0 earthquake and aftershock below the southeastern slope of Mauna Loa, Island of… https://t.co/Ee1PjJOEXS
– USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) October 14, 2022
