HONOLULU (KHON2) — A tsunami wave is expected to hit Hawaiʻi, and the first impact near Kauaʻi is projected to hit around 7:10 p.m.
“This is the most serious warning that you can have,” Governor Josh Green, M.D. said. “It is not a watch. It is a warning. Which means we have to evacuate the coastal zones right away.”
The wave is the result of a powerful earthquake in the Pacific, with ocean data confirming a tsunami will follow. Sirens have already sounded across the islands and will sound again at 6:10 p.m. and 6:40 p.m. to mark one hour and 30 minutes before landfall.
“We had a 9.0 earthquake, which is very significant,” Gov. Green said. “That created a seven-foot wave that hit Maui, causing $7.5 million of damage.”
Immediate evacuations ordered
“If you stay on beaches, you could risk death,” Gov. Green said. “You must stay off the beaches and away from harbors, rivers, and low-lying areas.”
Residents in tsunami evacuation zones must leave immediately. Those in multi-story buildings can go up at least four stories to stay safe.
“Please know where the tsunami evacuation zone is and have a route to get out to higher ground,” Gov. Green said. “If you are in a building, you can go up four stories. You will be safe in that case.”
The expected wave is not expected to hit just one part of the islands.
“It will wrap around the islands very likely, therefore causing a wave in Hilo and in Kona and Kauaʻi and on Maui,” Gov. Green said.
Transportation and safety updates
Adjunct General Major General Stephen Logan confirmed major infrastructure actions already underway.
“Hilo Airport is the only one that is closed,” Adjunct General Major General Logan said. “The United States Coast Guard has already closed all of the major ports.”
“All ships have been ordered out to sea,” he continued. “State highways is staging vehicles and equipment throughout their island and county.”
On Molokaʻi, Kalaupapa Airport personnel are ready to evacuate to the lighthouse. On the Hawaii Island, Hilo Airport has suspended commercial operations to help with evacuations.
Military and emergency support activated
Adjunct General Major General Logan said military assets are ready and positioned across the islands.
“With the approval of Gov. Green, I’ve activated two medevac aircraft for the island of Oʻahu,” he said. “They carry with them a search and rescue capability with an infrared radar system that can see throughout the night.”
High-water and heavy-vehicle troops are also standing by.
“I’ve also ordered the activation of numerous troops and soldiers on all of the counties to provide a heavy vehicle capability,” Adjunct General Major General Logan said.
Tsunami threat still unfolding
Officials are still waiting for the wave to pass Midway Island for more precise data.
“In about five minutes, we’ll reconvene a statewide meeting, and we will hear an update on the size of the wave,” Gov. Green said.
Readings from ocean buoys between Russia and Midway confirmed the threat.
“It was clear to us that there was going to be a wave,” Gov. Green said. “We don’t know how large a wave, usually until it passes Midway.”
Final alert at 6:40 p.m.
Once the wave passes, emergency teams will begin damage assessments. But officials stress that no one should return to the coast until the all-clear is given.
Residents can check their evacuation zones by clicking here.
“Please do not put anyone in a situation where General Logan has to search and find you with a helicopter,” Gov. Green said. “It is not likely we will recover you if a tsunami takes you from the shore.”