The Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii, pictured in 1984, experienced a series of tremors (Picture: Reuters)

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the largest active volcano on the planet with scientists saying there is a ‘state of heightened unrest’.

Volcano Mauna Loa, which covers half of Hawaii, experienced a series of tremors, with a 4.6-magnitude quake recorded just seconds before the larger one.

The aftershocks, which are still being felt, could last for weeks, with scientists closely monitoring increasing activity.

The Hawaiian Volacano Observatory said: ‘Shaking from the larger earthquakes may have been strong enough to do minor local damage, especially to older buildings.

‘The two earthquakes occurred within 24 seconds of each other, creating shaking of a longer duration and possibly greater intensity than either of the earthquakes would have created on their own.’

Earthquake activity in the area has been increasing from five to 10 earthquakes a day since June 2022 to 40 to 50 earthquakes a day over the past two weeks, according to the US Geological Survey.

Scientists are now keeping a close eye on the volcano following a series of tremors (Picture: Reuters)

Peak numbers of more than 100 earthquakes a day were recorded on September 23 and September 29.

The increased seismic activity caused Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to close the Mauna Loa summit backcountry until further notice.

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth said there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, but there was some minor damage in the town of Pahala.

Mizuno Superette, the only shop in rural Pahala, closed for about an hour-and-a-half after the shaking left broken jars on the floor and knocked out electricity, said cashier Laurie Tackett.

She said: ‘The ground was just shaking, it was a little scary.’

They confirmed Mauna Loa is not erupting and there are no signs of an imminent eruption.

The summit was closed last week due to the increased activity (Picture: AP)

The observatory added: ‘This sequence of earthquakes appears to be related to readjustments along the south-east flank of Mauna Loa volcano.

‘On several occasions large earthquakes have preceded past eruptions of Mauna Loa, though these have typically been larger than today’s earthquakes.

‘It is not known at this time if this sequence of earthquakes is directly related to the ongoing unrest on Mauna Loa.’

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Two strong quakes were reported in the area around the giant Hawaii volcano.