2018 Hawaii earthquake facts for kids

On May 4, 2018, a strong earthquake hit Hawaii. It happened around 12:33 p.m. local time. This earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9. Its center, called the epicenter, was near the south side of the Kīlauea volcano. This area had already been very active with earthquakes and lava flows since late April. The earthquake happened at the same time as new lava started to flow from the volcano.

This natural event caused some damage. Sadly, two people died, and 28 others were hurt.

Understanding the Hawaii Earthquake

This section explains what happened during the 2018 Hawaii earthquake. It was a powerful event that shook the Big Island.

What is an Earthquake?

An earthquake is when the ground shakes. This happens because of a sudden release of energy. This energy comes from inside the Earth's crust. It creates seismic waves that make the ground move.

Where Did It Happen?

The earthquake's epicenter was very close to the Kīlauea volcano. Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. This area often has earthquakes because of the moving magma (melted rock) beneath the surface.

The Link to Kīlauea Volcano

The 2018 earthquake was closely connected to the volcano's activity. At the same time the earthquake hit, new cracks opened up. These cracks allowed lava to flow out in the lower Puna area. Scientists believe the earthquake was caused by the ground shifting. This shift was due to the large amount of magma moving inside the volcano.

How Strong Was It?

The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9. Magnitude is a way to measure how much energy an earthquake releases. A 6.9 magnitude earthquake is considered very strong. It can cause a lot of shaking and damage.

What is Magnitude?

Magnitude is measured using the Richter scale or similar scales. Each number increase on this scale means the earthquake is much stronger. For example, a magnitude 7 earthquake is ten times more powerful than a magnitude 6.

Impact and Effects

The earthquake had several effects on the island and its people.

Damage and Safety

The strong shaking caused damage to roads and buildings. Some homes were destroyed or became unsafe. Local authorities worked to help people stay safe. They also helped those who were affected by the earthquake and lava flows.

Aftershocks and Volcano Activity

After the main earthquake, many smaller earthquakes happened. These are called aftershocks. They can continue for days or weeks. The earthquake also led to more changes at the Kīlauea volcano. The lava flows continued for several months after the quake.