Strongest earthquake in 43 years hits Hawaii: Thousands of homes lose power, lava from Kilauea volcano spews onto streets, roads are cracked and emergency shelters open for evacuees
Magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit about 12:33pm Friday and was centered near the south flank of Kilauea volcano
It is the strongest earthquake to hit Hawaii since 1975 when a magnitude 7.1 struck in the same area
Kilauea volcano sent more lava into communities Friday, a day after forcing more than 1,500 people to flee
Civil defense officials cautioned the public about high levels of sulfur dioxide near the volcano
Exposure to the gas can cause irritation or burns, sore throats, runny noses, burning eyes and coughing
The community of Leilani Estates near the town of Pahoa appeared to be in the greatest danger
Authorities also ordered an evacuation of Lanipuna Gardens, a smaller, more rural subdivision to the east
MATTHEW WRIGHT
DAILYMAIL.COM
5 May 2018
The strongest earthquake in 43 years struck Hawaii’s Big Island near the volcanic eruption at Kilauea which has forced residents to flee their homes.
The earthquake hit about 12.33pm Friday and was centered near the south flank of Kilauea volcano. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Hawaii since 1975 when a magnitude 7.1 struck in the same area, according to US Geological Survey records.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says the quake wasn’t strong enough to cause a tsunami but several reports do state that there were small tsunami waves around the Big Island. No tsunami threat or advisory has been put in place.
The state transportation department said on Twitter that no damage has been reported to roads but there has been more than 14,000 utility customers without power.
‘It’s kind of like being on some kind of carnival ride if you will. We are being shaken all the time,’ said Rhea Lee-Moku, a spokeswoman for Hawaii Electric Light.
She added that half the customers have had their power restored.
Another 5.7 magnitude tremor was said to have hit the island earlier on Friday. US Geological Survey seismologist Jana Pursley told CNN there had been 119 earthquakes on the Big Island since Thursday afternoon.
Before the quake, Hawaii County Civil Defense said a new vent opened near an intersection. There has been no activity at a geothermal power plant, which had been taken offline.
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