Tsunami Warning Prompts Low Floor Evacuations at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii
Update: Fortunately, the tsunami had less impact on Hawaii than initially feared, with only small waves reaching the islands. In response, Disney shared the following message in the Aulani app:
Mahalo for staying safe during this event. The State has downgraded to a tsunami advisory, so it is now safe to leave your sheltered areas and move about the resort. Please continue to use extreme caution when near the water.
Our original story follows.
Hawaii is under a Tsunami Warning following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia. As a result, guests at Disney’s Aulani Resort are being evacuated to the third floor and higher. Additional evacuations may be necessary as conditions change. Here’s the official statement from Disney:
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Warning for our area. A tsunami means that potentially destructive tidal waves are approaching which could cause damage to the coastal areas of the island of Oahu.
The estimated time of wave arrival for the first wave is at 7:10 p.m. The safest place for your family is floors 3 and above. Guests who are in floors 1 – 2 should move to floor 3 and above. Additional floors could be evacuated as we get additional information.
Tsunamis can affect both the windward and leeward sides of an island, so this warning should be taken very seriously. Guy Hagi from HNN Sunrise explains:
Our thoughts are with everyone in the path of this tsunami.
