In response to a powerful earthquake near Russia that generated tsunami waves, many residents in Hawaii took heed of official warnings to evacuate coastal regions. On Tuesday evening, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves several feet high on islands including Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii, prompting urgent action to ensure safety.
The tsunami warning for Hawaii was later downgraded to an advisory, with Governor Josh Green expressing optimism, stating that he had not witnessed any significant waves impacting the state. Similarly, alerts along the Pacific coast of North America were also downgraded early Wednesday morning. However, some regions of Hawaii and parts of California, Oregon, and Washington remained under a tsunami advisory, highlighting potential dangers such as strong currents.
Officials emphasized that while residents could return home, caution was advised due to lingering risks of powerful currents. US seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones assessed the tsunami’s potential impact, suggesting possible damage to harbors but ruling out catastrophic outcomes for life in the Americas. In comparison, the highest waves recorded were just under six feet in Hawaii, far less than the deadly 42-foot waves from the 2011 Japan tsunami.
Amid the chaos, local residents, including David Dorn and Felicia Johnson, shared their experiences and concerns about traffic congestion and safety as they moved to higher ground. Despite their worries, many emphasized the importance of remaining calm and prepared in these uncertain times.
Source: www.bbc.com
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