Hawaii urges coastal residents to evacuate after Pacific quake

STORY: :: Hawaiian officials urge residents to evacuate coastal areas after a powerful earthquake strikes near Russia

:: July 29, 2025

:: Randal Collins, Honolulu Emergency Management Director

“You know, our number one priority is life safety. And so right now it’s an easy thing, get away from the beaches, get inland and get upward.”

“If you do live in an area that’s within a tsunami area, first and foremost, go to a friend’s house, go to a neighbor’s house, go to your workplace. But go inward and upward out of the tsunami area.”

:: Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of Honolulu

“We would not be doing this if just wasn’t the most serious at this point in time. So please take this very seriously. And don’t, don’t go down to the beach. Don’t be looking at waves. Get yourself as high as you possibly can.”

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System said waves of up to 10 feet (3 meters) were likely in Hawaii.

The mayor said the tsunami could reach Oahu by approximately 7:15 p.m. local time (0515 GMT on July 30).