An Australian paddleboarder, Charlie Verco, 24, from Bondi, has found himself in a precarious situation in Hawaii following a tsunami warning triggered by a significant offshore earthquake. Alongside his friends, he moved to a high-rise apartment after the tsunami sirens sounded along the shores of Diamond Head. Originally scheduled to return to Australia tomorrow, Charlie worries that his flight from O’ahu may be disrupted due to the warning impacting all Hawaiian islands.
During the alert, Charlie was informed by local residents that such occurrences are not unusual, but this particular warning could pose serious risks. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has indicated that waves reaching between one to three metres above the tide level may strike coastal areas of Hawaii, as well as parts of Chile, Japan, and the Solomon Islands. Fortunately, both New Zealand and Australia currently face no tsunami threats.
In the aftermath of the warning, Charlie’s brother noted a surge in locals panic-buying water, while some surfers continued to take to the waves despite the situation. Local resident Naomi remarked that the community appeared to be treating the situation with more caution than usual, with every shopper she encountered at stores prioritising bottled water.
Authorities are actively encouraging residents and visitors to head to higher ground. Charlie observed police and emergency personnel advising beachgoers to evacuate. The US authorities on the west coast have also issued notices urging residents to avoid beaches and waterways as a precautionary measure.
Smartraveller has issued a safety warning for Australians in Hawaii, advising them to adhere to local authorities’ instructions and evacuate immediately if advised. The warning cites a recent magnitude 8.6 earthquake occurring about 60 km offshore from Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula, prompting heightened vigilance across various holiday hotspots, including Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and the Solomon Islands.
As emergency measures unfold, many people in Hawaii are taking heed of the warnings, while others continue with their previous plans despite the potential dangers. Charlie and his mates remain vigilant as they consider their next steps in light of the ongoing tsunami warning.