A major tsunami alert has thrown Hawaii into turmoil, with authorities scrambling to evacuate coastal areas and airlines cancelling flights amid fears of destructive waves.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued the alert after detecting unusual seismic activity, prompting emergency protocols across the Hawaiian islands. Honolulu International Airport confirmed all inbound and outbound flights have been suspended until further notice.
Residents Urged to Evacuate Immediately
Civil defence sirens blared across the islands as officials warned residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground. "This is not a drill," emergency broadcasts repeated. "All coastal areas must evacuate immediately."
Witnesses reported seeing unusual ocean behaviour, with waters receding dramatically from some beaches - a classic tsunami warning sign. The first waves are expected to hit within hours, potentially reaching several metres in height.
Tourist Hotspots Empty as Visitors Shelter
Popular tourist destinations like Waikiki Beach stood eerily empty as hotels implemented emergency procedures. Many visitors described chaotic scenes as they were rushed to designated safe zones.
"We were just about to go surfing when staff came running down the beach shouting at everyone to leave," said British tourist Mark Henderson. "The hotel has moved us all to the third floor as a precaution."
Transport Network in Disarray
The tsunami warning has caused widespread disruption to Hawaii's transport infrastructure:
- All commercial flights suspended at all islands
- Ferry services between islands cancelled
- Coastal highways closed for emergency vehicles
- Public transport diverted away from danger zones
Authorities have established emergency shelters in schools and community centres across higher ground locations. Power companies are preparing for potential outages in affected areas.
Meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates expected hourly. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official channels and avoid all coastal areas until the all-clear is given.
