— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 30, 2025

In Hawaii, the National Weather Service called for urgent action to protect lives and property. Officials instructed residents to evacuate low-lying areas, avoid beaches, or take shelter on upper floors. Oahu Emergency Management warned of destructive waves arriving shortly after 7:15 p.m. local time, with sirens sounding every hour as part of the statewide alert.

Governor Josh Green urged residents to leave coastal areas, warning, “If you stay on the beaches, you could risk death.”

Traffic congestion slowed evacuations, but authorities said there was still time to reach higher ground. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi asked residents to stay calm and drive carefully.

Global impact and ongoing risk

The tsunami threat extends beyond the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii. Warnings were issued for Japan’s Pacific coast, including Hokkaido, where waves about one meter high were expected around 10 a.m. local time. Alerts were also issued for Guam, American Samoa, Ecuador, and Chile.

Japan’s meteorological agency warned people to stay away from coasts and river mouths, stressing that the first wave may not be the largest. Similar advisories were echoed by emergency officials across the Pacific.

Authorities cautioned that the danger could persist for hours as multiple waves arrive. “Tsunami heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest,” the National Weather Service said.