HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Big Island of Hawaii experienced a magnitude-5.7 earthquake on Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, which occurred at about 10 a.m. local time, was centered 11 miles south of Naalehu at a depth of 6 miles. Despite the strong shaking, no tsunami warning was expected, as reported by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
Shaking from the earthquake was even felt about 200 miles away in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. The USGS Did You Feel It? page noted that some shaking was reported in the city. Several aftershocks followed in the same area, but no significant damage was immediately reported.
Many people across the affected area felt the shaking, including Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth, who was in Honolulu at the time for a cardiologist appointment. Roth recounted feeling dizzy at first, initially thinking it was a result of the medical procedure before realizing it was actually an earthquake. He immediately alerted emergency management officials about the situation.
Residents and business owners also reported feeling the impact of the earthquake. The owner of Pahala Plantation Cottages, Julia Neal, mentioned that a mirror and brass lamp fell during the forceful shaking. Similarly, Derek Nelson, the manager of the Kona Canoe Club restaurant in the Kona Inn Shopping Village on the island’s western side, noted that everyone in the area felt it “big time,” with windows shaking all throughout the village.
Despite the powerful earthquake, there were no reports of significant damage in the immediate aftermath. However, officials anticipated that reports of damage might surface within the next hour or so following the earthquake. Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth expressed concerns about ongoing assessments and the potential for damage resulting from the “good sized earthquake.”
As residents and officials alike continue to monitor the situation, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. While no major damage was reported this time, ensuring emergency kits, like the ones depicted in the accompanying images, are readily available to residents can make a significant difference in times of crisis.