HAWAII ISLAND, Hawaii (KHON2) — USGS officials are on high alert following heightened seismic activity at Kamaʻehuakanaloa volcano off Hawaiʻi Island.
According to reports, Kamaʻehuakanaloa volcano, once known as Lōʻihi Seamount, has seen more than 70 earthquakes since 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1.
As the night progressed, seismic activity slowly declined and the rate of earthquakes remained above background levels on Saturday,
In this earthquake series, USGS officials reported 32 quakes with a magnitude greater than two and two events with a magnitude greater than four.
The largest earthquake in the swarm was reported shortly after noon on Saturday and had a 4.3 magnitude at a depth of 5.8 kilometers below sea level and 4.8 kilometers below the volcano’s summit.
So far, only one report has been made about feeling the earthquake from Hawaiʻi Island.
Scientists added that an impact on other volcanos or infrastructures on Hawaiʻi Island due to elevated seismicity is not expected.
While the source of the earthquake has not been determined, it is believed the swarms may be linked to a probable eruption.
If there was an eruption at this volcano, the USGS said it would have no impact on residents.
Activity at Kamaʻehuakanaloa volcano will be monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and will provide updates on significant changes in activity.