NO THREAT TO HAWAII After Large Papua New Guinea Quake

PC: USGS/ Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Update: 11:39 a.m. HST 10.10.18

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an update saying that based on all available data, a destructive Pacific-Wide tsunami is not expected and there is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi.

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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is evaluating the effects of a 7.0 (7.3 preliminary magnitude) earthquake reported at 10:48 a.m. HST on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in the New Britain Region of Papua New Guinea.

Authorities say a tsunami threat exists for parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake; but as of 10:58 a.m., it is still too early to determine whether there is any possible tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi.

If there is a tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi, the earliest estimated time the hazard might begin is 7:16 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018.

Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, the PTWC says hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 km of the earthquake epicenter.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says further statements will be issued hourly or sooner as the situation develops.

The initial statement was issued for information only, and agency officials said no action is required at this time.

The USGS reports that the quake occurred at a depth of 39.5 km and was located:

• 134.5 km (83.4 mi) E of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea
• 187.9 km (116.5 mi) SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
• 358.0 km (221.9 mi) S of Kavieng, Papua New Guinea
• 471.5 km (292.3 mi) W of Arawa, Papua New Guinea
• 476.1 km (295.2 mi) NE of Popondetta, Papua New Guinea

*Check back for updates, which will be posted as they become available.