An Australian actress has revealed the terrifying moment she was forced to take shelter in a tsunami bunker in Hawaii after a powerful earthquake triggered emergency warnings across the Pacific.
The star, whose identity has not been disclosed, described the chaotic scenes as locals and tourists alike scrambled for safety following the alert.
'It was absolute panic'
The actress recounted how she was given just minutes to evacuate to higher ground as sirens blared across the island. "The staff were amazing," she said. "They knew exactly what to do and got everyone to safety incredibly quickly."
Emergency procedures activated
Authorities activated tsunami protocols after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near the Loyalty Islands, prompting fears of devastating waves. While the threat was later downgraded, the experience left many shaken.
The celebrity described the surreal experience of waiting out the warning in the specially designed bunker: "You never think it will happen to you until the sirens start wailing. We were all just sitting there watching the news updates on our phones, not knowing what might come next."
Hawaii's tsunami preparedness
Hawaii's extensive tsunami warning system and evacuation procedures have been developed over decades in response to the islands' vulnerability to Pacific earthquakes. This latest incident proved the system's effectiveness, though officials continue to urge residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with safety protocols.
The actress praised the response of local authorities and hotel staff, saying: "Their professionalism probably saved lives today. I'll never forget this experience."
