Hawaii volcano ERUPTION causes 'EARTHQUAKE' from Kilauea 'collapse explosion'

HAWAII’s Kilauea volcano has caused tremors equivalent to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake as a result of a “collapse explosion event”, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS posted on Twitter: “A collapse explosion event occurred at Kīlauea's summit.

“The energy released by the event was equivalent to a M5.2 earthquake.”

A magnitude 5.5 quake rocked Hawaii on Sunday, according to Hawaii County Civil Defence officials.

Sunday’s quake sent an ash plume 8,000 feet into the sky.

But it did not cause a tsunami threat, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

There were 500 quakes in the summit area of Kilauea in a 24-hour period over the weekend.

According to supervisory geophysicist at the USGS Brian Shiro, this was the highest rate ever measured at the summit area.

On Tuesday a gas explosion at the Halemaumau crater of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano generated energy equivalent to a 5.3 earthquake, the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory (HVO) reported.
An HVO spokesman said:"Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports a gas explosion with energy equal to a 5.3 magnitude earthquake has occurred at Halemaumau Crater at 2:17 AM.

"The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no Tsunami Threat to the Island of Hawaii.

"Residents in the area affected by earthquakes are advised to monitor utility connections of gas, electricity, and water after earthquakes.

"When driving be on the lookout for cracks in roadways.

"If ash is observed stay indoors or seek cover."

There was also energy the equivalent of a 5.4 magnitude earthquake.

On Thursday the HVO said Kilauea’s Fissure 8 continues to be very active, but glowing lava heading for the Pacific Ocean has now oozed into a residential area.

A County of Hawaii spokesman said: “Due to the breakouts of lava near Four Corners and within Kapoho Beach Lots persons are reminded that these areas are closed to any access.

“Be aware that spillovers of the channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field. Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.”