Earthquake Hazards Gallery

2006 Earthquakes

On 10/15/2006, two earthquakes (epicenters at Kīholo Bay and Mahukona) with magnitudes of 6.7 and 6.0 caused extensive damage at many locations, particularly the northern half of the Big Island.

Crumbled front walls of the Kohala Congregational ChurchThe Congregational Church in Kohala was severely damaged. Fortunately, the Sunday earthquakes occurred in the early morning, before services. Vehicle parked next to a crack in the roadway on the road to polulu valley.Cracks appeared in many roads, such as this one on the road to Pololū Valley. Government road crews quickly assessed the situation. Man points to bracing on his housePeter Klika, Kohala area resident, explains how he has reinforced his home using simple and inexpensive materials, including strong ties. Damaged acoustic roof tiles strewn about a classroomThe Waikoloa Elementary School had many ceiling tiles and light fixtures fall. It's obvious that “drop, cover and hold” under a desk would protect you from falling debris. Broken glassware on a kitchen counterMany fragile items broke when they fell from shelves. Damaged rock walls with fallen rocks nearbyRock walls were damaged. Mirrored closet doors off of their trackMirrored closet doors fell over. Cans and bottles piled on the ground Cans and bottles were thrown from shelves.

1999 Pāhala Earthquake

On 4/22/1999, Pāhala experienced an earthquake of magnitude 5.6, which caused damage near the epicenter. (The 1868 earthquake, which was the largest in recorded Hawaiʻi history, occurred in the same area; its magnitude is estimated to be 7.9.)

a broken window on a church buildingThe Methodist Church window was broken. A church pew covered with rubbish. Birds nests can be seenMynah bird nests fell from the ceiling onto the pews. A line of foundation blocks, with a wall next to themThis home was knocked off its foundation. cracks in an asphalt drivewayCracks appeared in asphalt.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Active Alerts

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