Tsunami Hits Hawaii After Major Earthquake
A powerful 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami waves that reached Hawaii late Tuesday. Warnings and evacuations followed across the Pacific, including parts of Japan, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast. “More than two million people across 21 prefectures were under localized evacuation advisories,” according to CNN. In Russia, a kindergarten collapsed, but no injuries were reported.
Social Media Outrage Targets Oprah
During the Hawaii evacuations, social media erupted with claims that Oprah Winfrey refused to open her private road on Maui to help people reach higher ground. A viral video on X showed closed gates and a man saying, “We’re stuck and a tsunami is coming… C’mon Oprah, save us.” Critics accused Winfrey of blocking a key escape route, with one post reading, “Why hasn’t Oprah opened her road? This could save lives…”
Road Opens After Public Pressure
The situation shifted after reports said the road was eventually opened. X user Nick Sortor posted, “BREAKING: Following INTENSE public pressure, Oprah’s private road has been OPENED to those escaping the tsunami.” A community note added that the Maui Police confirmed the road was accessible. Newsweek also reported that “Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry, according to Maui Police Department.”
Winfrey’s Team Responds to Accusations
Oprah’s spokesperson denied the accusations, stating the road was opened immediately after tsunami warnings were issued. “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened… Any reports otherwise are false,” the representative told Newsweek.
Conclusion
As tsunami threats continue, thoughts remain with affected communities worldwide.
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