No tsunami threat after 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolts US Hawaii
Los Angeles, May 24
There is no tsunami threat to the US state of Hawaii after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 jolted 12 km south of Honaunau-Napoopoo on Hawaii's Big Island, authorities have said.
The earthquake struck at 9:46 p.m. local time on Friday, and the epicentre, with a depth of 22.4 kilometres, was initially determined to be at 19.34 degrees north latitude and 155.84 degrees west longitude, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
"The earthquake was widely felt across the Hawaiian Islands ... There are no apparent impacts to Mauna Loa or Kilauea volcanoes," said the USGS in a statement.
Several small aftershocks have occurred and may continue in the coming days, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the US Geological Survey.
Moderate earthquakes are common in Hawaii. Over the past 50 years, 36 other earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater have struck within 100 kilometres of Friday's quake.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre did not issue a tsunami warning following the earthquake. In a statement, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said the earthquake was not large enough to cause a tsunami for the Island of Hawaii.
In the United States, the tsunami alert has four types, including a tsunami information statement, a watch, an advisory, and a warning.
A tsunami advisory means that a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves to those in or near the water is imminent, expected, or occurring. During this alert, the public should stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways.
A tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent, expected, or occurring. During this alert, the public should move to high ground or inland.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Earthquakes are common in Hawaii as per the article, but with Kilauea and Mauna Loa nearby, any tremor makes you wonder if volcanic activity is changing. Glad the USGS confirmed no volcanic impacts here - that would be a double whammy!
As a geologist, I'd say magnitude 6.0 is moderate, but for locals on Big Island, that's a real shake-up. Good to see the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre being proactive - we Indians know all about tsunami threats after 2004. The alert system here is robust but nature always has the last word.
Interesting that they mentioned aftershocks may continue for days. In India's Himalayan region, we get that pattern too. But Hawaii's volcanic geology is different - still, 5.0+ earthquakes every few years is scary! Glad the local authorities are on top of it.
No tsunami warning means no immediate danger, but I wish the article explained more about how these systems compare to India's tsunami warning system. Both countries have advanced monitoring, but public awareness is key. Still, hoping all Hawaiian locals are safe!
Earthquakes happen everywhere but Hawaii's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it vulnerable. I've been to the Big Island - the locals are resilient. One criticism though: the alert levels are confusing (advisory vs warning). Hope authorities communicate clearly with tourists too.
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