Oprah Winfrey stepped in to aid her Maui community by opening her private road for emergency evacuations after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific.
On July 29, as the first tsunami waves began hitting Hawaii and parts of the U.S. West Coast, Winfrey allowed access to the road near her Upcountry property on Maui. “Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry, according to Maui Police Department,” officials confirmed in a public alert.
A spokesperson for the 71-year-old media mogul told PEOPLE that Winfrey coordinated with FEMA and local law enforcement “as soon as we heard the tsunami warnings” to ensure the road was opened. “Any other reports are otherwise false,” the spokesperson added, emphasizing that local police were managing traffic “50 cars at a time to ensure everyone’s safety.” The road will remain accessible “as long as necessary,” they said.
By late Tuesday night, the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory, and Hawaii officials allowed evacuated residents to return home. Still, the impact of the quake — one of the most powerful ever recorded — was felt far and wide.
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Waves over 5 feet were recorded in Kahului on Maui, while a 4.5-foot wave reached Hilo on the Big Island, according to CNN. The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that tsunami surges reached the California coast early Wednesday, with a tide of 4 feet 4 inches recorded in Arena Cove.
Coastal regions of Washington, Oregon, and Japan also experienced tsunami waves. While no major damage has been reported, authorities are continuing to urge residents to stay clear of coastlines.
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“Tsunamis aren’t just one wave,” explained Dave Snider of the Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. “They’re a series of powerful waves over a long period of time.” He warned that the aftereffects could linger in some areas due to the sheer scale of the ocean disturbance.
Winfrey’s decision to open her road for the public echoes her past support for Maui during natural disasters, including last year’s devastating wildfires. Local leaders and residents have praised her swift action and willingness to share her resources when it matters most.
