HONOLULU (KHON2) — A tsunami warning is in effect for the island of Oʻahu following alerts issued by the Oʻahu Department of Emergency Management on Tuesday, July 29.
Officials warn that the first wave is expected to arrive at approximately 7:17 p.m.
Residents in tsunami evacuation zones are being urged to evacuate immediately. The warning was disseminated through the HNL Alert system just after 4 p.m.
“If you are in the evacuation zone, take your Go Bag and evacuate outside the red tsunami zone,” the alert stated.
Evacuation shelter locations
- Kuhuku district park.
- Waialua High and Intermediate.
- Makaha Community Park.
- Nanakuli High and Intermediate.
- Ewa Mahiko District Park.
- Waipahu District Park.
- Kalakaua District Park.
- Makiki District Park.
- McCully District Park.
- Wilson Community Center.
- Niu Valley Middle.
- Koko Head District Park.
- Hahaione Valley Neighborhood Park.
- Waimanalo District Park.
- Kailua District Park.
- Kaneohe District Park.
- Goerge Fred Wright Wahiawa District Park.
Those unable to evacuate horizontally are being advised to seek vertical refuge in buildings that are at least 10 stories tall. The aim is for you to get to the 4th floor or higher.
A full map of evacuation zones and tsunami refuge areas is available by clicking here.
For those outside the evacuation zone, officials stress the importance of staying off roadways to help reduce traffic congestion and facilitate evacuations. Travel should be limited to essential needs only.
The Department of Emergency Management emphasized that while the projected arrival time is just after 7 p.m., but conditions can change rapidly. People are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to act.
Additional information will be issued through the HNL Alert app and local media. Emergency sirens may also sound closer to the estimated wave arrival time.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.