Hawaii Braces Tsunami Warning

The first siren sounded at about 6:00 A.M, the second one was at 7:00 A.M. and third at 9:00 A.M (HST) February 27, to warn locals that tsunami has been generated and that it could potentially damage all coastlines all over the state.

"Residents right on the coast should be concerned and evacuate the coast," especially in places like Hilo Bay on the island of Hawaii, according to Barry Hirshorn, a geophysicist for the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The Civil Defense advised that the first set of waves is expected to hit Hilo at the Big Island (Hawaii) at 11:05 A.M., 11:42 A.M. at Kahului, Maui, 11:37 A.M at Honolulu, and 11:42 A.M. at Nawiliwili, Kauai.

Chile earthquakes resulting to Hawaii tsunamis have a remarkable precedents. The state is very vulnerable to tsunami regardless if the source is local, or from neighboring pacific countries. In 1946, surge of waves of 55-feet high killed 173 lives, injured 163, and demolished 488 buildings. In 1960, following a 9.5 earthquake, 61 lives were killed and 540 homes and businesses were destroyed by waves of 35-feet high. And, the most recent was on 1975, killing 3 lives at a Beachfront Park.

As of press time, evacuations are still on going. Beach parks are all closed, golf courses, malls, and almost businesses have shutdown, as locals heed to the warning.

The federal authorities shut down Hilo, International Airport, as the threat poses more on the Big Island. In Oahu, evacuations are still on-going for the homeless people living in the coast of Waianae.

In Honolulu, residents are in panic buying for grocery stocks, water, cars are piled up in gas stations before most major roads will be closed for traffic at 10:00 A.M.

Meanwhile, United States President Barck Obama advised people of Hawaii and American Samoa, to follow the instructions of the authority and be vigilant to the threatening natural disaster. And, likewise expressed his sympathy to the quake devastated Chile and assured that the U.S. support will definitely be on its way.

For tsunami evacuation zones, please click on the link below:

http://www.scd.state.hi.us/