Not much info, yet. There has been an alert from the Tsunami Alert center that there has been a 6.5 earthquake on the big island.
Power is out there and on Oahu and at least one of the other islands.
Will update as info becomes available.
My thoughts are with all those affected.
Let's all hope that this will be handled better than Katrina.
[Update: USGS just confirmed at 6.3, not 6.5, updated title, adding to the extended body as info comes in.
Also, if you're a Kossack in Hawaii, please let us know you're OK!
Another update: USGS now reporting it as 6.6, updated title.]
Editing per comments:
Epicenter on the Kona coast.
USGS Map of quakes and aftershocks
Power out on Oahu.
Civil Defense asking people to stay in their homes.
Maui police say biggest damage from landslides in Maui area.
Minor structural damage around the island.
USGS John Bellini: Aftershocks expected to continue and taper off over the next few days. Don't expect significant eruption risk, occurred along a fault. They don't know the specifics of the plate motion, but not even if it was an up-down quake, it's not large enough to cause significant tsunami. However, landslides from the islands have been known to cause localized tsunamis.
Now saying 5.8 aftershock, not 4.9.
John Vidale, Dir of Pacific NW Seismic Network: The 5.8 aftershock at 5 km down (3 mi), would have bigger shaking effect than the 6.3, at 9 miles down.
Some reports coming from the big island:
2 highways on the west side damaged from rock slides.
Kona hospital has sustained structural damage. Patients need to be moved. Update: have been evacuated
Widespread power outages on the big idland.
Power will be out for 10 - 12 hours on Oahu, keep your refrigerators closed.
Air traffic has been suspended on Hawaii, so if you're looking to fly out, don't bother. Update: Airports just reopened.
N and S Kona, no reported loss of life, but significant property damage, structural road closures throughout West Hawaii. "Whole pile of landslides" throughout West Hawaii according to police captain. Expect that there will be extensive damage. Police re-emphasize: If you don't need to travel, stay home.
Civil Defense asking people to please just stay put. It's been recommended that people check their utilities, especially gas lines, for structural damage.
Important: Officials are asking people to stay off the phone, so people in need of help can get through.
Interesting Tidbits - things that don't count as news:
- 6.5 is the threshold for reporting a trunami alert to the Hawaiian islands.