No Tsunami Threat After 6.0-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts US Hawaii

(MENAFN- IANS) Los Angeles, May 24 (IANS) There is no tsunami threat to the US state of Hawaii after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 jolted 12 km south of Honaunau-Napoopoo on Hawaii's Big Island, authorities have said.

The earthquake struck at 9:46 p.m. local time on Friday, and the epicentre, with a depth of 22.4 kilometres, was initially determined to be at 19.34 degrees north latitude and 155.84 degrees west longitude, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

"The earthquake was widely felt across the Hawaiian Islands... There are no apparent impacts to Mauna Loa or Kilauea volcanoes," said the USGS in a statement.

Several small aftershocks have occurred and may continue in the coming days, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the US Geological Survey.

Moderate earthquakes are common in Hawaii. Over the past 50 years, 36 other earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater have struck within 100 kilometres of Friday's quake.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre did not issue a tsunami warning following the earthquake. In a statement, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said the earthquake was not large enough to cause a tsunami for the Island of Hawaii.

In the United States, the tsunami alert has four types, including a tsunami information statement, a watch, an advisory, and a warning.

A tsunami advisory means that a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves to those in or near the water is imminent, expected, or occurring. During this alert, the public should stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways.

A tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent, expected, or occurring. During this alert, the public should move to high ground or inland.

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