NO Tsunami Threat After 5.5 Quake at Kilauea Summit

PC: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

There is NO tsunami threat to Hawaii after a 5.5 (preliminary magnitude 5.6) earthquake reported at 4:32 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 in the Summit Region of the Kilauea Volcano, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The USGS reports that the quake occurred at a depth of 1.5 km and was centered within these preliminary parameters:

4.2 mi ESE of Ohaikea (historical), Hawaii;
24.6 mi WSW of Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii;
26.0 mi SSW of Hilo, Hawaii;
48.8 mi ESE of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; and
211.7 mi SE of Honolulu, Hawaii.

The quake comes on the heels of a separate 5.5 magnitude tremor at 3:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, that also rattled the summit area and cracked the overlook deck at Jaggar Museum. Over the weekend, the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported more than 500 earthquakes in a 24-hour period – the most ever measured by HVO scientists.

The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement this morning saying the earthquake this morning could trigger ash eruptions today. “Low level trade winds will push any ash toward the southwest toward communities of Pahala, Wood Valley, Naʻalehu and Ocean View.”

According to the NWS, “Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass particles from high fountaining fissures near Leilani Estates are being carried downwind. These volcanic particles can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash, so avoid exposure. Pele’s hair can scratch glass and car finishes. Use plenty of water to rinse Pele’s hair off vehicles and avoid using windshield wipers.”