6.6 magnitude earthquake Hawaii
More than one earthquake in Hawaii today, Sunday, October 15, 2006. The 6.6 quake was followed seven minutes later by a 5.8 magnitude quake, causing landslides in Hamakua and Kealakekua; major damage at Kona Hospital, the Honokaa Long-term Care Facility and the Royal Kona Resort; power outages in many areas, 90 percent of Oahu without power. There is no loss of life so far, no reports of any significant damage on Oahu yet, no tsunami is expected
186 K Per Second.com has all the scientific information and image.
Michael Poland, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said the earthquake was likely the largest to hit Hawaii since 1989, and possibly the largest since an even larger one measuring 7.2 hit in 1975. Those earthquakes struck less developed areas, Poland said. source
The quake was originally reported at 6.3 but minutes ago upgraded to a 6.6. (via Fox News) and now updated to a 6.6 by KHNL News
The quake occurred at 7:07 a.m. local time, 10 miles north-northwest of Kailua Kona, a town on the west coast of the Big Island, said Don Blakeman, a geophysicist at the National Earthquake Information Center, part of the U.S. Geological Survey.The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.3, along with several aftershocks, including one measuring a magnitude of 5.8. source
From the KHNL Newsroom...
Reports indicate an earthquake measuring 6.6 magnitude and several aftershocks shook the Hawaiian islands Sunday morning at 7:07 am. Power is out throughout all islands with the exception of Lanai and Molokai. No tsunami warning has been issued. The USGS indicated the quake was centered six miles west of Waikaloa on the island of Hawaii. Radio stations are reporting that all island airports are closed. Callers to radio stations indicate that boulders fell on roadways on the island of Hawaii. Damage appears to be mostly in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island. source
Communications problems exist with phone lines, cell towers, etc. Ham radio may be the only reliable means of communication.
Hubby and I lived in Mililani, Hawaii during a hurricane and reliable communication with the mainland USA was limited to Ham (Amateur) radio operators.
Mowed the leaves most of the day...first I've heard of it. Thanks for being my news source today.
Posted by: Mushy | October 15, 2006 at 08:45 PM
Sigh..sure hope the people stay safe..thanks for the informative post Debbie!.:)
Posted by: Angel | October 15, 2006 at 07:04 PM