Reuters AlertNet Lite - Hawaii's Big Island picks up pieces after big quake

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Hawaii's Big Island picks up pieces after big quake

16 Oct 2006 19:00:28 GMT
Source: Reuters

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People wait outside the Honolulu International Airport October 15, 2006 after a powerful earthquake and repeated aftershocks shook Hawaii on Sunday, rattling nerves, knocking out power in Honolulu and prompting Gov. Linda Lingle to issue a disaster declaration for the entire state.
REUTERS/HUGH GENTRY

HONOLULU, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Hawaii suffered major road and port damage in the most powerful quake in the Pacific archipelago in two decades, but no deaths or serious injuries were reported, officials said on Monday.

Power had been mostly restored and schools were partially opened 24 hours after the 6.7 magnitude quake and repeated aftershocks hit a few miles off the west shore of the island of Hawaii, known as the Big Island, a popular tourist destination the size of Jamaica and home to 160,000 people.

The island of Oahu, where most of Hawaii's 1.3 million people live, was also returning to normal after the quake 150 miles (240 km) miles away jolted residents out of bed on Sunday morning and cut power for several hours.

Gov. Linda Lingle issued a disaster declaration for the entire state of Hawaii on Sunday and reported no deaths after flying over the Big Island, where she was when the quake hit.

Hundreds of private homes on the island also suffered some structural damage, according to initial assessments, and the government broadcast radio spots asking people to make contact to report damage.

"That number could change as people get out and about," said Janet Snyder, press secretary for the island government.

But she said the island is well prepared for disaster and "Big Island people are known for pulling together."

Despite some damage to resorts on the western Kona coast, there were no reports of panic among tourists.

Snyder said the biggest disruptions were the landslides and boulders on the main coastal artery that circles the island and damage to the western port. Hawaii depends heavily on shipping for everything from food to toilet paper.

The local government is working with federal authorities to assess damage to roads and other public infrastructure.

President George W. Bush had been briefed on the earthquake and aftershocks, White House spokesman Tony Snow said on Monday.

"We continue to monitor the situation and are keeping in close contact with Hawaiian officials and will provide assistance as requested," Snow said.

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Last updated:Mon Oct 16 19:02:32 2006