No tsunami threat after magnitude 6.0 quake hits Hawaii island
Honolulu Star-Advertiser • • nation
Key Points:
- A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the western flank of Mauna Loa on Hawaii island at 9:46 p.m. Friday, centered about 7 miles south of Honaunau-Napoopoo and 22 miles south-southeast of Kailua-Kona at a depth of 14 miles, with no tsunami generated.
- The Hawaii Police Department closed Napoopoo Road due to large rocks and debris, advising drivers to avoid the area while crews worked to clear the road.
- USGS stated the earthquake was caused by stress from the bending of the oceanic plate under the Hawaiian island chain and was not related to volcanic activity, with no apparent impact on Mauna Loa or Kilauea volcanoes.
- Several small aftershocks followed, including a magnitude 3.2 quake, with scientists noting aftershocks may continue but are unlikely to cause damage; the main quake was felt statewide, including on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui.
- The USGS received over 2,600 "Did you feel it?" reports within an hour, mainly from the Big Island, and classified the earthquake as "strong," with potential for light property damage.