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Videos capture insane traffic in Hawaii: Locals, tourists try to get to higher ground amid tsunami warning

The US National Weather Service issued tsunami warnings for Hawaii and some parts of Alaska after a massive earthquake in Russia.

Updated on: Jul 30, 2025, 09:47:54 IST
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A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia, triggering tsunami warnings in several countries, including some parts of the USA. Videos of tourists and locals trying to get to higher ground for safety have emerged on social media, after the entire state of Hawaii was placed under tsunami warnings.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation warned people to evacuate coastal areas and get to higher ground amid tsunami warnings. (Screengrab (X))
The Hawaii Department of Transportation warned people to evacuate coastal areas and get to higher ground amid tsunami warnings. (Screengrab (X))

Also Read: US founder records tsunami siren in Hawaii after massive earthquake hits Russia: ‘It’s no joke. Take higher ground’

“Here’s a few looking west. Insane amount of traffic trying to get to higher ground,” an individual posted along with a video that captures cars as far as the eye can see.

“Wow... just checked Google Maps and the traffic in Hawaii looks treacherous as evacuations to higher ground are underway from the Tsunami Warning caused by the 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia,” another person posted.

A third warned, “Heavy traffic leaving Downtown Honolulu, Hawaii as tsunami approaches. This is why you SHOULDN’T WAIT until the last minute. Traffic will only worsen! If you’re in an evacuation zone, LEAVE NOW!”

Emergency traffic alert:

The Hawaii Department of Transportation shared an alert on social media informing people about access to the local areas.

Also Read: 'Ekdum se hilne laga': Delhi-NCR resident recollects frightening moment earthquake hit

“Kauai - Avoid Hanalei to allow people to evacuate. We are not closing Wailua Bridge. Oahu - Likelike townbound has been opened. Kolekole Pass has been opened to leave Leeward coast. Nanakuli Contraflow has been shut down. Maui State Highways is staging vehicles and equipment. - Molokai - Kalaupapa Airport personnel are ready to evacuate to the lighthouse. Big Island - Hilo Airport commercial operations have been suspended to facilitate evacuations from Keaukaha. All Islands - Coast Guard Capt. of the Port has ordered all vessels to follow their procedures to leave port,” the department wrote on X.

  • Trisha Sengupta
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    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More