Breaking News: Earthquake Strikes Near Pāhala, Hawaii

Late Sunday night, December 29, 2024, residents near Pāhala, Hawaii, experienced a magnitude 4.2 earthquake.The tremor occurred at 11:04 PM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 1 km west-southwest of Pāhala at a depth of 30.6 km.

Just 15 minutes later, at 11:19 PM, a second quake with a magnitude of 3.5 struck 3 km south-southwest of Pāhala at a depth of 29.8 km.

These back-to-back quakes have understandably caused concern among residents.Pāhala, a small town on the Big Island, is no stranger to seismic activity due to its proximity to volcanic regions. However, two significant tremors in such quick succession are noteworthy.

As of now, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries.Local authorities and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) are closely monitoring the situation.Residents are advised to stay alert for potential aftershocks and to follow any guidance from emergency services.

For those interested in the geological context, the Big Island's volcanic activity often contributes to such seismic events. The Kīlauea volcano, for instance, has been active recently, with eruptions observed as late as December 23, 2024.

Stay Safe During Seismic Events:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If indoors during an earthquake, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on to sturdy furniture.
• Stay Indoors: Remain inside until the shaking stops and it's safe to exit.
• Avoid Elevators: Use stairs when evacuating a building.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated through local news and official channels.

For the latest updates and safety information, residents can refer to the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.

Stay tuned to local news outlets and official sources for more information as this situation develops. USGS