No tsunami expected after 4.1 earthquake on south flank of Kīlauea Volcano

There is no tsunami expected following a 4.1(4.4 preliminary) magnitude earthquake reported at 8:48 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024 on the south flank of the Kīlauea Volcano. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no tsunami expected, however some areas may have experienced shaking.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the quake occurred 9 miles (14 km) south of Fern Forest on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 4 miles (7 km) below sea level. It was followed by three aftershocks in a similar area within 10 minutes: a M2.0, M2.6 and one M3.3; other aftershocks are possible.

The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes. Most earthquakes in this region are caused by abrupt motion of Kīlauea volcano’s south flank, which moves to the southeast over the oceanic crust. The location, depth, and waveforms recorded as part of today’s earthquake are consistent with slip along faults related to the south flank detachment fault. 

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.