Categorized | Earthquake, News

Moderate 5.3 magnitude earthquake rocks Hawaii Island Saturday (April 13)

Hawaii County Civil Defense audio message

This is a Civil Defense Earthquake update message for 6 p.m., Saturday April 13, 2019.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports no Tsunami from the earthquake.  Reports throughout the island report damage along some roadways.

Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory reports no activity or change in status of the volcanoes on Hawaii Island.

Do take the following precautions following this earthquake:

  • Check utility connections such as electric, gas and water for damage and shut off main if damage is observed or suspected.
  • Debris maybe in roadways drive with caution.

Authorities have responded to the following reports:

  • Large boulder on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Route 19) at the Hapuna Junction
  • Rock fall Mamalahoa Highway south (Route 11) near mile-markers 100 and 110 in Kona.
  • HELCO crews are working on restoring power to the Waikoloa area to about 3,300 customers.

You will be notified of any changes that affects your safety.

USGS: How large does an earthquake have to be to cause a tsunami?

Magnitudes below 6.5
Earthquakes of this magnitude are very unlikely to trigger a tsunami.
Magnitudes between 6.5 and 7.5
Earthquakes of this size do not usually produce destructive tsunamis. However, small sea level changes may be observed in the vicinity of the epicenter. Tsunamis capable of producing damage or casualties are rare in this magnitude range but have occurred due to secondary effects such as landslides or submarine slumps.
Magnitudes between 7.6 and 7.8
Earthquakes of this size may produce destructive tsunamis especially near the epicenter; at greater distances small sea level changes may be observed. Tsunamis capable of producing damage at great distances are rare in the magnitude range.
Magnitude 7.9 and greater
Destructive local tsunamis are possible near the epicenter, and significant sea level changes and damage may occur in a broader region.
Note that with a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, the probability of an aftershock with a magnitude exceeding 7.5 is not negligible. To date, the largest aftershock recorded has been magnitude 7.1 that did not produce a damaging tsunami.

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