Quake Rattles Big Island, No tsunami

A 4.4 magnitude quake rattled the Big Island Monday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Readings from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory were slightly higher, measuring the quake at a 4.5 magnitude tremor.  The earthquake was reported at 6:30 p.m. 13 miles south west of Laupahoehoe, Hawaii on the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea.  There were no reports of any major damage or injuries.

Click to enlarge image. Map Courtesy USGS.

The USGS reports the exact coordinates at 19.846°N, 155.364°W with a depth of 19.3-19.9 miles.  The distance of the epicenter was measured from the following locations.

• 20 km (13 miles) SW (221°) from Laupahoehoe, HI
• 22 km (14 miles) S (178°) from Paauilo, HI
• 26 km (16 miles) W (264°) from Honomu, HI
• 33 km (20 miles) WNW (298°) from Hilo, HI
• 304 km (189 miles) ESE (122°) from Honolulu, HI
• 7 km (5 miles) SSW (202 degrees) Keanakolu
• 12 km (7 miles) ENE (72 degrees) Mauna Kea Summit
• 20 km (12 miles) SSW (204 degrees) `O`okala

There was an additional 1.9 magnitude quake reported at 6:39 p.m. and a 2.4 quake reported in the same region at 9:39 p.m. on Monday.

The Pacific Disaster Center reported that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly dismissed any threat of a tsunami by issuing a statement at 6:34 p.m. Monday saying no action was required.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)