Hawaii. Photo: Shutterstock A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck south of Hawaii’s Big Island early Wednesday, August 12, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake was recorded at 3:48 a.m. UTC, at a depth of approximately 10.7 kilometers, with the epicenter located about 42 kilometers southeast of Naalehu, Hawaii. The initial magnitude reported by the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (Hawaii EMA) was 5.1, before the USGS listed the event at 5.2.
Hawaii EMA said the earthquake occurred near the Kamaʻehuakanaloa Seamount, the active submarine volcano formerly known as Lōʻihi, south of the Big Island.
Despite the earthquake occurring offshore, no tsunami is expected. Hawaii EMA said its assessment found no tsunami threat, although some areas may have experienced strong shaking.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers also currently report that there is no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat in effect.
Residents and visitors on the Big Island may nevertheless have felt the earthquake, particularly closer to the southern part of the island. The relatively shallow depth reported by the USGS means shaking could be noticeable in areas near the epicenter.