7.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Molucca Sea, no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi

A powerful earthquake struck the Molucca Sea on Wednesday afternoon, but officials say it poses no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported on April 1 that an earthquake occurred at 12:48 p.m. with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8. While a tsunami threat may exist for areas of the Pacific closer to the earthquake’s epicenter, the agency said there is no danger to Hawaiʻi based on available data.

“This statement is for information only. No action is required,” the center said in its advisory to state emergency management officials.

Officials also stated that they do not expect to provide further updates unless new information becomes available.