Earthquake rattles tense Big Island

At least one minor landslide was caused last night by a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that shook Big Island residents who are already on alert for an approaching hurricane.

The 7:38 p.m. quake, beneath the southern flank of Kilauea Volcano, was felt islandwide and set off the rockslide in the Laupahoehoe Gulch area, according to a Big Island Civil Defense advisory. Drivers were warned to be alert for possible landslides, especially on the Hamakua Belt Highway. Big Island police and road crews were checking for other effects of the temblor.

The earthquake was centered in northwestern Kalapana, about 25 miles south of Hilo and 10 miles south-southwest of Fern Forest. It was at a depth of about 5.8 miles, according to an initial report from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Residents in Hilo and Volcano reported feeling the shock. "It went on way longer than is comfortable," said Jeri Kauahikaua of Volcano.

Several aftershocks, including one of magnitude 3.2, followed. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake did not generate a tsunami. It came as Big Island residents prepared for tropical storm-force wind and rain expected today as Hurricane Flossie is expected to pass south of the island.