Brief
Nearly 100 quakes rattled Kīlauea, prompting park area closure
The National Park Service shut part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park after a swarm of nearly 100 quakes beneath Kīlauea’s summit.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Nearly 100 earthquakes were recorded beneath Kīlauea’s summit on Thursday, prompting the National Park Service to close the Keanakākoʻi area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for safety, according to nypost.com.
What happened
In the 24‑hour period ending 9:52 p.m. HST Wednesday, the strongest quake measured magnitude 3.4. Activity peaked between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday, after which summit inflation eased and tremors lessened.
What the reports add
The closure includes Old Crater Rim Drive, the Keanakākoʻi Crater overlooks and the Crater Rim Trail, while the Devastation Trail parking lot stays open. A webcam comparison showed no new ground cracking or lava eruption elsewhere.
What was said
The National Park Service said the shutdown is “temporary…for safety due to the earthquake activity and increased volcanic unrest.”
How it came about
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted a shallow magma intrusion overnight, marking the 55th episode of Kīlauea’s ongoing eruption, which continues to produce lava fountains and vent glow.
Key facts
- Nearly 100 earthquakes were recorded beneath Kīlauea’s summit in 24 hours. (nypost.com)
- The largest quake measured magnitude 3.4 at 9:52 p.m. HST Wednesday. (nypost.com)
- The National Park Service closed the Keanakākoʻi area, including Old Crater Rim Drive and the Crater Rim Trail. (nypost.com)
- The Devastation Trail parking lot remained open. (nypost.com)
- USGS said a shallow magma intrusion signals the 55th episode of Kīlauea’s eruption. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Nearly 100 earthquakes shake Hawaian volcano, unrest prompts park closure”
