Oprah Winfrey Addresses Claims She Declined to Open Private Hawaii Road During Tsunami Warnings

Oprah Denies Blocking Maui Road During Tsunami Evacuation
[Image: Oprah Winfrey at her Hawaii estate]

Oprah Winfrey has refuted claims she refused to open her private road in Maui, Hawaii, during tsunami evacuations triggered by a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The quake, one of the strongest ever recorded, unleashed 15-foot waves across the Pacific, prompting urgent evacuations in Hawaii, Japan, Russia, and the U.S. West Coast.

Evacuation Chaos and Oprah’s Response
Social media users accused Oprah of worsening gridlock by keeping her road closed, forcing evacuees to take longer routes. One X post claimed, “Massive traffic in Maui… Open the road, Oprah!” However, her spokesperson stated the road was opened “as soon as tsunami warnings were issued,” with local law enforcement managing traffic in batches for safety.

[Image: Map comparing evacuation routes with/without Oprah’s road]

Tsunami Impacts Across the Pacific
The earthquake, striking 84 miles off Russia’s coast, caused significant damage in Kamchatka, including a collapsed kindergarten. In Hawaii, waves over 5 feet flooded Oahu’s north shore, while California and Oregon faced advisories. Japan evacuated 1.9 million residents, and Fukushima nuclear plant workers temporarily fled.

[Image: Damaged buildings in Russia’s Kamchatka region]

Emergency Measures and Warnings
Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green declared an emergency, urging residents to “stay strong” and avoid coastal areas. The National Guard deployed Blackhawk helicopters, though Green warned rescue efforts might be limited. In California, beaches closed as LAPD helicopters broadcast evacuation orders.

[Image: Traffic jam in Waikiki during evacuation]

Historical Context and Risks
The quake marked the strongest globally since Japan’s 2011 disaster. Experts noted even 6-inch tsunami waves can be deadly, capable of sweeping away vehicles. The Pacific Ring of Fire, where the quake originated, remains a hotspot for seismic activity.

[Image: Evacuees on a rooftop in Japan]

While Hawaii’s tsunami warning was later downgraded, the event underscored vulnerabilities in disaster response. Oprah’s team reiterated cooperation with authorities, emphasizing community safety amid criticism.

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