Hawaii’s Big Island Rattled by Earthquake Amid Approaching Pacific Storms

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 23, 2024

At the stroke of midnight, residents of Hawaii’s Big Island felt the ground shake beneath them as a magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck, centered just nine miles south of Fern Forest. 

With no reports of significant damage, the night’s surprise left the island buzzing but unbroken.

Local Community Reacts to the Earthquake

Across the Big Island, over 300 people reported feeling the quake’s impact shortly after midnight, with reports even coming from neighboring islands. 

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An aerial photograph showing a sprawling coastal resort complex with multiple buildings and swimming pools along the rugged coastline of Hawaii

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The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirmed the quake didn’t pose a tsunami threat, a small relief amidst the nighttime jolts.

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Storms Brew in the Pacific

As the island steadied from the earthquake, eyes turned to the ocean where two storms, including a Category 3 hurricane, were rapidly developing

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A satellite image capturing a large hurricane from above, showing the well-defined eye of the storm surrounded by swirling clouds

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This seismic activity came amid heightened vigilance due to these brewing tempests.

Monitoring Volcanic Giants

Despite the ground shaking, there was no impact on the giant volcanoes Mauna Loa or Kilauea. 

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Molten lava flowing through a rugged volcanic landscape, glowing red and orange in a dark environment

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The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory had been on alert due to recent activity at Kilauea but reported no changes due to the quake.

Tsunami Fears Allayed Post-Earthquake

Quick responses from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center helped calm any fears of a tsunami following the earthquake. 

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A yellow sign with a blue wave symbol and a running figure, indicating an entrance to a tsunami evacuation area

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This swift assurance was crucial in keeping the community calm and preventing any panic.

Storm Systems Developing Near Hawaii

About 1,000 miles east-southeast of Hilo, a significant cluster of thunderstorms was gaining momentum. 

Lush green mountains shrouded in mist, showcasing the dramatic and rugged terrain typical of Hawaii's landscape

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“Interests in Hawaii should closely monitor this disturbance, though it remains too early to determine the exact location and magnitude of potential impacts,” warned the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

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Tracking Hurricane Gilma's Progress

Meanwhile, Hurricane Gilma was being closely monitored as it continued its powerful path through the Pacific. 

Detailed satellite imagery of a hurricane showing intense cloud formations with a well-defined eye, highlighted by bright red and orange colors indicating severe weather conditions

Source: xoriwx/X

Situated a significant distance from the storm cluster, its movements were critical to forecast, with all eyes on its potential path toward Hawaii.

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Hawaii Prepares for Dual Natural Threats

The earthquake was just the beginning; Hawaii now braced for more as storm systems threatened to reach the islands by the weekend or early next week. 

Nighttime view of bright orange lava flowing into the ocean, creating intense steam and glowing against the dark water and rocks

Source: Marc Szeglat/Unsplash

It was a time for careful preparation and watchfulness.

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Big Island Community Stays Alert and Prepared

The recent natural events tested the Big Island’s resilience, but the community stood ready. 

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Local authorities worked hand-in-hand with residents, ensuring everyone was prepared for what might come next, staying alert to all updates.

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Volcanic Watch Continues Amid Natural Unrest

The earthquake brought renewed attention to Kilauea, already noted for its increased activity. 

Explosive night view of a volcano erupting, casting bright orange lava into the air, contrasted against a dark sky

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The observatory’s ongoing vigilance was essential in keeping the community informed and ready to respond if the volcanic threat escalated.

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Assurance of Safety from Authorities

In the face of these natural challenges, authorities were quick to communicate that there was no immediate danger. 

Wide view of a vast volcanic crater landscape in Hawaii, with tourists visible walking across the barren, gray volcanic rock under a cloudy sky

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Their proactive approach helped maintain a stable and secure atmosphere on the island.

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Reflection on Nature's Unpredictability

The recent events on Hawaii’s Big Island demonstrated the unpredictable power of nature. 

A hiker on a ridge overlooking a scenic Hawaiian bay with lush green mountains and a sandy beach, under a dramatic cloudy sky

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The community’s robust preparation and the officials’ rapid responses highlighted how vital it is to remain vigilant and cooperative in the face of potential natural disasters.

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