Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits south of Big Isle; no tsunami threat



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The Honolulu National Weather Service says no tsunami threat resulted from a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that hit the southern island of Hawaii today.

Strong tremors were recorded across the island of Hawaii and most of the main islands, according to the US Geologic Survey. Residents of Oahu said they felt the tremor, and more than 1,300 reports of the tremor have reached the USGS. “Did you feel it? »Notification system within an hour of the earthquake.

The initial quake was followed by a 4.3 magnitude tremor in the same area and at least five other aftershocks of 2.5 or greater.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the first earthquake occurred at 11:49 a.m. today off the coast of Kau on the Big Island. It was centered 22 miles deep and about 17 miles southeast of Naalehu and 64 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona, according to the US Geological Survey.

The USGS initially rated the earthquake’s magnitude at 6.1, but later increased it to 6.2.

Ken Hon, scientist in charge of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said the earthquake was unrelated to the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano.

Webcams and other data feeds show no impact on the eruption, with the exception of a few minor rock falls reported in Halemaumau crater, he said.

Judging by the depth of the epicenter, Hon said, the quake is likely related to the bending of the oceanic plate under the weight of the Hawaiian island chain, a common source of earthquakes in this region. It also helps explain why it was felt so far away, he said.

The largest aftershock occurred about three miles north of the magnitude 6.2 earthquake at a depth of 22 miles. Other aftershocks are possible, officials said.

The last 6.0 or greater magnitude earthquake to hit Hawaii was the 6.9 earthquake of May 4, 2018, which heralded the initial phases of the destructive three-month eruption of the East Rift Zone.

While Hawaii County Civil Defense said this afternoon it had received no damage reports, the intensity of the tremors recorded could have resulted in “very slight damage to buildings or (poorly constructed) structures.” according to the USGS.

USGS “Did you feel it?” A self-reported online survey recorded hundreds of immediate reports from the Big Island, Maui and Oahu.



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