Earthquake & Volcano Monitor — 2026-05-25
Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island remains under close watch as its Halema'uma'u eruption is currently paused following a significant M6.0 earthquake that struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo on May 22. Meanwhile, Philippines volcano Mayon produced an ash advisory on May 23, while global seismic activity remains at moderate levels with no major magnitude 7+ events recorded in May 2026.
Earthquake & Volcano Monitor — 2026-05-25
Seismic Activity
Hawaii M6.0 Earthquake — Big Island Shaken
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo on the Big Island of Hawaii, rattling communities and raising fears about renewed volcanic activity at Kilauea. The quake was felt more than 150 miles away on Oahu and prompted immediate assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Scientists had forecast another possible eruption between Sunday and Wednesday, heightening public attention on the aftermath of the quake.
May 2026 Global Seismic Overview
According to AllQuakes data, May 2026 has recorded no earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher, with 7 events reaching magnitude 6+, 104 events at magnitude 5+, and over 900 at magnitude 4+. Overall seismic activity this month remains within typical ranges.
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake was recorded near the southeast Indian Ridge at 05:41 UTC on May 23, 2026. The USGS PAGER system assigned a green alert level, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected.
Volcanic Watch
Kilauea, Hawaii — Eruption Paused, Alert Remains
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the Halema'uma'u eruption of Kilauea is currently paused, with the alert level downgraded to ADVISORY and the aviation color code set to YELLOW. The observatory continues daily monitoring as scientists watch for signs of renewed activity following the M6.0 earthquake.
Mayon Volcano, Philippines — Ash Advisory Issued
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Tokyo issued an advisory at 20:20 UTC on May 23 for Mayon Volcano (elevation 2,462m) in the Philippines, reporting an eruption that produced volcanic ash reaching FL090 (approximately 9,000 feet) extending westward.
Nevado de Longaví, Chile — Alert Raised to Yellow
Volcanic activity at Nevado de Longaví in Chile prompted authorities to raise the activity alert level to Yellow. Ash from nearby Fuego volcano was also reported reaching as far as 30 km from the summit.
Global Volcanic Activity — 27 Volcanoes Active
The Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the week ending May 20, 2026, tracked 27 volcanoes with confirmed activity worldwide, including new unrest at 7 volcanoes during May 14–20.
Earth Science
Costa Rica Monitoring Network at Risk
Costa Rica faces the potential loss of its earthquake and volcano monitoring network, according to a report published May 23. The network is critical for early warning of seismic and volcanic hazards across the region. Officials and scientists are raising alarms about potential funding gaps that could leave communities without advance warning.
Safety Reminder: Hawaii Earthquake Preparedness
Following the M6.0 event near the Big Island, residents and visitors are reminded that earthquakes in volcanically active zones can trigger rapid changes in eruption status. The USGS recommends monitoring official USGS volcano updates and heed all local civil defense alerts. Current Kilauea advisory status means reduced but ongoing risk — conditions can change rapidly.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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