Updated October 11th, 2021 at 11:28 IST
Hawaii: Consecutive earthquakes rock Big Island's Naalehu, no tsunami expected
The National Weather Service informed no injuries were recorded in the two consecutive earthquakes, measuring above 6 on the Richter scale, that hit Hawaii
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Two massive earthquakes rocked the southern part of Hawaii on Sunday. As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, struck the island during midday, hitting roughly 17 miles south of the Big Island's southern point, Naalehu. The second tremor, with a strength of 6.2 impacted the same location around 20 minutes later.
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.2 - 27 km SSE of Naalehu, Hawaii https://t.co/ChMfY766SD
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes)
The National Weather Service in Honolulu informed that the quakes will not cause a tsunami. Although no injuries have been recorded, the tremors were severe enough to cause damages. Several people took to Twitter to express what they felt and experienced during the strong tremors.
Felt a big boom, then another big boom and shaking in Holualoa. No damage.
— Jayne LeFors (@JayneLeFors)
Definitely felt it in Ocean View. Broken candle warmer and things fell off the walls but all good other than that 🤙🏽
— Nancy Turner (@dnda77)
felt it in oahu! nothing bad here obviously but crazy that i could feel it! my first earthquake ever
— kura (@purkissmoomoo)
Felt it in Oahu, mild shaking and no damage
— Dana Chee (@Dana_Chee)
Kailua-Kona, no damage to report.
— RespectPele (@PeleRespect)
The lastest tremors occur following Hawaii's Kilauea volcano which is considered to be one of the world's most active volcanoes, that exploded again last month, creating lava fountains and spewing smoke pouring from its main crater. According to USGS experts, the eruption at the Halemaumau crater looked to be limited to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and posed no danger to nearby residences.
Hawaii earthquakes
The latest earthquake is unrelated to the continuing eruption of Kilauea volcano, Ken Hon, scientist-in-charge of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was quoted by Honolulu Star-Advertiser as saying. Hon further explained that the quake is most likely connected to the twisting of the oceanic plate due to the weight of the Hawaiian archipelago, which is a typical cause of seismic events in this region. It also explains why it was felt so widely.
Meanwhile, a relatively shallow strength of 4.6 earthquakes was observed in Hilo, Hawaii, on Tuesday, October 5. The quake struck at a relatively shallow depth of 20 miles, as per the US Geological Survey, at 8:36 pm local time. The tremor did not cause any substantial damage, according to preliminary seismic data, although it was likely felt by many individuals in the epicentre region as a gentle vibration.
(Image: PTI/Pixabay)
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Published October 11th, 2021 at 11:28 IST