Earthquakes happen every day in the State of Hawaii. Most are too small to feel, but occasionally a larger earthquake reminds us that strong ground shaking can occur across the Hawaiian Islands.
Volcano Minute is a weekly audio activity or science update produced by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates.
Aloha, it's your weekly Volcano Minute, brought to you by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Earthquakes happen every day in the State of Hawaii. Most are too small to feel, but occasionally a larger earthquake reminds us that strong ground shaking can occur across the Hawaiian Islands.
This year, a magnitude-6 earthquake beneath the Island of Hawaiʻi on May 22 was felt statewide. It damaged homes, triggered rockfalls, blocked roadways, and caused power outages.
When an earthquake starts, the safest action is simple. If you feel shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, get under a sturdy table or desk if available, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you’re near the coast and feel strong shaking, immediately head mauka or inland, in case a local tsunami is generated.
Beyond reacting to ground shaking, we can also take proactive steps in earthquake preparedness. Secure heavy furniture, such a bookshelves, make a family emergency plan, and keep emergency supplies ready before the next earthquake or other disaster occurs.
So take a minute today to think about how you can better prepare for the next big earthquake in Hawaii. And join us next week for the annual Great Hawaiʻi Shakeout earthquake drill on October 15 at 10:15 a.m.
Mahalo for listening, I’m Katie Mulliken and this was your weekly volcano minute brought to you by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.