(BIVN) – A large earthquake shook the Island of Hawai‘i just after 11:30 a.m. Friday, and police report Highway 130 is closed to traffic at the intersection of Highway 132 and south of Leilani Estates.
Police say motorists should use Route 137 (Kalapana-Kapoho Road) and Route 132 to bypass.
The USGS website measured the earthquake at a preliminary Magnitude 5.6, and it appeared to be centered in the Kalapana area. It was felt across the island.
UPDATE: “The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports an earthquake occurred at approximately 11:33 AM today. This earthquake was not large enough to cause a tsunami for the island of Hawai’i,” civil defense stated. “Preliminary data indicates that the earthquake measuring a magnitude of 5.6 was centered in the vicinity of the south flank of Kilauea Volcano.”
“As in all earthquakes, be aware of the possibility of aftershocks,” civil defense stated. “If the earthquake was strongly felt in your area, precautionary checks should be made for any damages; especially to utility connections of gas, water, and electricity.”
We will update this page with more information as it becomes available on both the highway closure and the earthquake.
by Big Island Video News11:44 am
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STORY SUMMARY
HAWAII ISLAND - A strong earthquake rattled Hawaii Island and Highway 130 is now closed.