Small earthquakes hit Oregon, Hawaii; no damage reported

The U.S. Geological Survey says that minor earthquakes have shaken part of the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area and Hawaii.

The agency says a magnitude-3.2 earthquake hit near Beaverton and several other Portland suburbs at 6:16 p.m. local time. No damages have been reported.

The agency also reports that on Hawaii's Big Island, a magnitude-3.0 earthquake hit near the town of Leilani Estates at 4:13 p.m. local time. There are no reports of damage.

Experts in Hawaii are more focused on the possible tsunami effect of major earthquakes that take place in the Pacific Ocean region around the islands. A study by University of Hawaii researchers released in May says there's a 9 percent chance that an earthquake measuring magnitude 9 or greater will strike Alaska's Aleutian Islands within the next 50 years and send large tsunami waves to Hawaii.