Every US citizen under threat as Trump issues warning to millions over major tsunami
Every US citizen is currently under threat as President Donald Trump has issued a warning to millions of people over a major tsunami.
The president has urged the public to ‘stay strong and stay safe’ after an earthquake in Russia triggered a tsunami in Hawaii.
Waves hit the shoreline after an enormous 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Russia’s Far East today (July 30), which could be the sixth largest earthquake ever recorded in history.
Trump has warned that Hawaii might not be the only US location to see an extreme impact of the earthquake, with the Pacific Coast and Alaska also put on high alert for potential tsunamis.
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Evacuations have begun around the world in places like Chile, Japan, the Philippines and parts of the US including Hawaii, Alaska and California.
This comes after a warning stated that ‘urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property’, alerting Americans to the threat of waves up to three meters (10ft) above tide level, according to experts.
Amid the panic gripping countries across the globe, Trump took to his own social media platform Truth Social to share his message to Americans who are situated in the danger zones.
He wrote: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii.
“A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
Since he shared the post a few hours ago, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre announced that waves had started to hit Hawaii.
The tallest wave measured so far - which was over 5ft in height - was reported in Kahulu which is on the north-central shore of Maui island, data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
A wave that was 4ft was also recorded hitting Hale'iwa, which is located on Waialua Bay, according to the BBC.
Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, had told locals that a 6ft wave was en route after it passed through the Midway Atoll island that sits between Japan and Hawaii.
“We’re still expecting a significant wave,” he said, adding that measures would only be called off when officials are sure there is ‘total safety’.
After the initial waves hit the island state this morning, Green said that there had ‘not been a wave of consequence’ so far, which he described as a ‘great relief’.
However, officials have reported that large amounts of water have receded, which is a hallmark of a pending tsunami.
“We still have not seen any wave activity come past the Big Island,” the governor said. “That’s important. Until we see what happens on the Big Island, we won’t feel we’re in a position to start saying that we’re in the clear.
“Just lay low tonight and watch TV, please,” Green added, while encouraging people to avoid the roads and remain 100ft above sea level or two miles inland ‘just in case’.