Tsunami Hits Hawaii After 8.8 Quake, Oprah Faces Backlash Over Road Access
Tsunami waves hit Hawaii after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Residents were urged to flee to higher ground, leading to widespread traffic and online claims involving Oprah Winfrey.
Social media erupted after a viral video alleged Oprah refused to open a private road on her Maui estate, potentially blocking evacuees. “We’re stuck and a tsunami is coming,” a man said in the video, showing closed gates.
Oprah owns land in Kula, Hawaii, through which Thompson Road—a public road crossing private property—runs. The video sparked outrage, with users accusing her of endangering lives.
However, Oprah’s spokesperson and local police refuted the claims. Officials confirmed the road had been opened to help evacuees. A statement from her team said they coordinated with FEMA and law enforcement to ensure access as soon as warnings were issued.
The earthquake also triggered tsunami activity in California, Japan, and parts of Russia. No casualties have been reported, but damages include a collapsed kindergarten in Russia. Several Pacific nations remain on alert.