A powerful 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. Hawaii was among the areas under immediate threat, with residents advised to evacuate to higher ground. Amid the emergency, social media speculation targeted media icon Oprah Winfrey, alleging that she had refused to open a private road on her Maui property to assist evacuees. These claims sparked widespread concern and criticism online. However, official sources and statements later clarified the situation, debunking the initial reports.
Tsunami Impact Across the Pacific
The earthquake’s epicenter near the Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami waves that were recorded across various countries. In Hawaii, emergency alerts instructed residents to move inland and to elevated areas. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor was one of the strongest in recent years, prompting swift action from emergency services.
In addition to Hawaii, tsunami waves were detected on California’s northern coastline and parts of Japan, including Hokkaido. Japanese authorities issued localized evacuation advisories for over two million people in 21 prefectures. Russian state media agency TASS reported that some buildings in the vicinity of the earthquake’s epicenter were damaged, including a kindergarten that collapsed, though no injuries were reported.
Several Pacific Rim nations, including the Philippines, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Ecuador, were placed under tsunami watches or warnings, as was the state of Alaska.
Viral Claims About Oprah’s Road on Maui
As evacuation efforts intensified in Hawaii, social media users began circulating a video showing a long line of cars near what was claimed to be the entrance to Oprah Winfrey’s property in Kula, Maui. The video, which went viral on the platform X (formerly Twitter), showed gates across a road and claimed that the road—allegedly leading to higher ground—remained closed despite the urgent evacuation orders.
Some users accused Oprah Winfrey of keeping the road inaccessible, potentially delaying evacuations. The road in question, Thompson Road, is a public road that passes through property owned by Oprah’s ranch, according to Hawaii News Now and NBC News. Despite being situated within private land boundaries, the road itself remains public infrastructure.
As the video spread, more users questioned why the road wasn’t being used to help people escape potential danger. Public sentiment quickly escalated, with some claiming that access to a crucial evacuation route was being blocked.
Official Clarification and Road Status
Contrary to the viral social media posts, official guidance later confirmed that the road was indeed open. According to Newsweek, the Maui Police Department issued a tsunami update on July 29, around 7:16 p.m., indicating alternate routes for evacuees, including Oprah’s road.
The Traffic Section of the Maui Police Department listed several available evacuation routes, including:
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Cane Haul Road toward Hansen and Pulehu roads
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Road above Makena Golf Course for access to Ulupalakua
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Thompson Road (referred to as Oprah’s road) providing access to Upcountry Maui
The statement assured residents that the road was available for public use as part of the evacuation plan, aiming to ease congestion on Maui Veterans Highway and other main routes.
Furthermore, a spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey addressed the situation directly, emphasizing that reports suggesting the road was closed were inaccurate. According to the spokesperson, Oprah’s team had coordinated with both local law enforcement and FEMA immediately upon receiving the tsunami warnings to ensure the road was accessible for public use.
The statement noted that law enforcement was on-site, managing the flow of vehicles—allowing approximately 50 cars at a time—to maintain order and ensure public safety during the evacuation. The road, the spokesperson confirmed, would remain open for as long as it was necessary.
Public Reaction and the Importance of Verified Information
Although the clarification from official sources and Oprah’s team helped quell the online backlash, the incident highlighted the risks of misinformation during natural disasters. In emergency situations, misinformation can spread rapidly and influence public perception, often before verified details emerge.
Social media platforms like X have added community notes or fact-checking labels to some of the posts related to the incident. These notes referenced the Maui Police Department’s update, confirming that the road was indeed open and available for evacuees.
Emergency management experts continue to stress the importance of relying on verified government sources and established news outlets for accurate information during crises. Platforms like the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local emergency management agencies provide timely updates and evacuation guidance based on real-time assessments.
Broader Impact and Safety Measures
As of the latest updates, no casualties have been reported in Hawaii or in other affected regions. However, the event has reignited conversations about preparedness in tsunami-prone areas. Authorities continue to monitor oceanic activity and advise residents to remain cautious in the aftermath of aftershocks and potential secondary waves.
Communities across the Pacific Rim are reminded to adhere to evacuation protocols, maintain emergency kits, and stay informed through official alerts and local government bulletins.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) also praised the cooperation among residents, first responders, and community leaders in managing the evacuation smoothly despite the unexpected challenges.
Conclusion
The viral claims surrounding Oprah Winfrey’s private road closure during the Hawaii tsunami evacuation have been debunked by both law enforcement and her official representatives. The road was confirmed to be open and actively used to assist in evacuation efforts. As natural disasters continue to impact vulnerable regions, the importance of accurate, verified information remains critical for public safety and effective response coordination.
Thoughts remain with all those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami. Authorities urge residents to remain alert and to follow instructions from emergency services as recovery and monitoring continue.
