The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the Big Island of Hawaii experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday.
While it was initially reported that Friday’s earthquake just 1.25 miles off of Naalehu in Hawaii had a 6.3 magnitude reading, the USGS later downgraded it to a 5.7 magnitude earthquake.
“On Friday, February 9, 10:06 a.m. HST, a magnitude-5.7 earthquake occurred 2 km (1.25 mi) southwest of Pāhala on the Island of Hawai’i at a depth of 37 km (23 mi) below sea level,” the USGS confirmed in a statement. “The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes. Numerous aftershocks have been felt and are expected to continue. This earthquake is likely associated with lithospheric flexure caused by the weight of the Hawaiian Islands on the oceanic lithosphere.”
The USGS noted that its Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is monitoring the state’s volcanoes in light of the recent earthquake. The organization also reported that aftershocks from the earthquake could continue for days or even weeks.
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Khon 2 reported that multiple Hawaiian residents from the surrounding area shared their earthquake experiences with the news outlet. One resident from Hilo told Khon 2 that Friday’s earthquake was “huge.”
“It just kept going. And, you know, being in a post in your home, it actually felt like the home was going to collapse,” Christine Kaehuaea, a Discovery Harbor resident, said. “It was so strong.”
Political journalist Brian Krassenstein shared a video that was reportedly taken during Friday’s earthquake in Hawaii. He noted that the video shows how “scary” the earthquake was for Hawaiian residents.
According to Khon 2, Hawaii County officials reported that over 300 residents lost power on Friday and that emergency crews responded to minor landslides that were caused by the earthquake tremors. Additionally, Khon 2 reported that both Kealakehe Intermediate and Konawaena High schools were forced to relocate on Friday.
