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Powerful Earthquake Triggers Immediate Tsunami Warning
An 8.7 magnitude earthquake occurred off the east coast of Russia at approximately 1:25 p.m. on July 29, 2025, sending shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean and immediately triggering urgent tsunami warnings for Hawaii. The earthquake appeared to be the strongest anywhere in the world since the March 2011 earthquake off northeast Japan that was 9.0 magnitude and caused a massive tsunami that set off meltdowns at a nuclear power plant. The National Weather Service issued a Tsunami Watch for the State of Hawaii on Tuesday, July 29, at 1:34 p.m., which was quickly upgraded to a full warning. Officials reported that a tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii.
Emergency Evacuation Orders Create Traffic Chaos
Cars jammed streets and highways in Honolulu as the tsunami alerts coincided with the Tuesday afternoon rush-hour. Warning sirens blared as people moved to higher ground. Amid earlier reports of traffic gridlock as residents evacuated the shoreline, the governor said he thought there was plenty of time for people to reach higher ground and that it appeared traffic was already easing. He urged caution on the roads amid “bumper-to-bumper traffic” during evacuations. Despite the chaos, officials remained optimistic that residents would have sufficient time to reach safety zones.
Wave Height Predictions Spark Urgent Preparations
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said waves of 1 to 3 meters above tide level were possible along some coastal areas of Hawaii, Chile, Japan and the Solomon Islands. Thousands of miles away, tsunami waves up to 5 feet high have hit Hawaii. The earliest estimated arrival of the first tsunami wave is at 7:17 p.m. today, July 29. Officials are advising the public to prepare and complete their evacuations by 5 p.m. at the latest. The predicted wave heights represented a serious threat to coastal communities and harbors throughout the island chain.
Mass Closure of Public Facilities and Services
The Department of Parks and Recreation advise all members of the public to evacuate County campgrounds and beach parks. Additionally, all County services are closed beginning immediately today, July 29. Hawaii schools canceled after-school and evening activities. All flights to and from Maui’s Kahului Airport have been cancelled, leaving passengers sheltering in the terminal. “In the morning, those sheltering will be re-screened prior to departures,” the department said. The comprehensive shutdown affected thousands of residents and visitors across the island chain.
First Tsunami Waves Begin Hitting Hawaiian Shores
The National Weather Service said in a post to X just after 7 p.m. local time that tsunami waves “were recently detected in Haleiwa”. Measurements or reports of tsunami wave activity showed gauge locations including Kahului Maui with 1.23M / 4.0FT waves at 60MIN periods, and Haleiwa HI with 1.21M / 4.0FT waves at 12MIN periods. Estimated time of arrival for the first wave has come and past with no impacts from an anticipated tsunami seen and no massive long ocean breakers crashing onto Garden Isle shores. Despite initial concerns, the first waves appeared less destructive than initially feared.
Celebrity Assistance and Community Response
Oprah Winfrey has opened her private road in Maui, Hawaii to aid residents evacuating after tsunami alerts were issued. “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened,” her spokesperson told CNN. “Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone’s safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary”. The gesture highlighted how community members, both famous and ordinary, stepped up during the emergency to help their neighbors reach safety during this unprecedented crisis.
