Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Reported Near Hawaii

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck near the newly erupting Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii at around 12:32 p.m. today officials say.  It was located about 10 miles southwest of Leilani Estates on the Big Island, and is the 119th earthquake to occur on the island over the last 24 hours according to the USGS. 

The quake was felt across the state, as far away as Oahu, where the state capitol of Honolulu is located. The National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Center issued a statement saying that "some areas may experience small sea level fluctuations," following the quake. 

The shaking comes as cracks in Kilauea volcano's rift zone erupted on Thursday and early Friday, discharging lava in Leilani Estates, a community of around 1,700 people near the island's eastern edge. So far, four volcanic fissures remain active on the island. 

Video posted to social media showed residents fleeing as lava spewed several feet into the air from a crack in one of the streets. An aerial video showing the lava moving through the subdivision went viral, as Hawaiian authorities ordered residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens to evacuate to a safe area. 

Photo: USGS