Tsunami Update
I can’t thank you all enough for your concern and comments. I so appreciate it and it makes me love you all even more than I already do. I’m closing comments on this post and will use it just for updates. If you want or need to find out anything, please comment in the post right below this.
We are as prepared as we can be. I’ve been up all night since I first heard this and I must say I’m very proud of the Civil Defense. It seems like they are well prepared and have kept the state very informed. The sirens have gone off. It is odd and it feels like we are in some war zone. I have the tubs filled up with water, some pots with water, we have gas for the generator and barbecue, plenty of food and have done all I can do. I went with my friend Lisa this morning to fill up pillow cases with sand from the beach to put it on her front and back door. You should have seen the gas stations and grocery stores. Jammed packed and it was 4:30 am. I will be taking care of Nalu as Dee has to work. The joys of being with the police department.
The Tsunami is suppose to hit at 11:19. They say it can last up to 10 hours. The first wave might not be the biggest either. When it hits Hilo, which it will first they are expecting it to be 12 feet and by the time it surrounds the entire Big Island it will be 9 feet. Tsunami’s gain strength in shallower water also. They don’t know exactly how big it might be or how small. If it fizzle’s out more power to us. But they aren’t expecting it to. Also, they, and by they I mean the news stations here, are saying that if you live more than 1/2 mile from the shore line we should be safe. We are about 1 mile I would say. So we should be okay.
The National Guard as been activated to help with all of this. They are going to use Blackhawk helicopters to let people know if they have to evacuate. As I say, the community and state have come together and I applaud them in everything they have done. Gas stations are have already run of out gas around some areas of the island. 4 hours and counting. I’ll keep this post update as I can.
Mahalo very much for your concern. It means a great deal to me.
UPDATE: 9:45 Well they are getting ready to close the main highway leading out to where I live. Kalanianaole Highway at 10:00. It’s a block away from the ocean shore. The Tsunami is suppose to hit Hilo at 11:05. What I’m understanding now is that they don’t think it’s going to be as big as they first thought. But who knows. The thing that amazes me, and I don’t know why, is what a beautiful day it is here. I went down to Maunalua Bay and took these photos just a little bit ago. You can see how empty the park is and how low the tide is. Also I took a picture of where Lisa and I dug the sand for her sand pillow bags. I hope you enjoy.
UPDATE 10:25 Hoping for the best here. The Tsunami hit the Marquesas Islands at only 6 to 7 feet. They are saying now that hopefully it will be that size when hitting Hilo and about 1 1/2 foot when it hits Oahu. And when it hits Oahu I live on the end it’s going to hit first by the way. The waves are about 20 minutes apart right now and they say that’s better than being 30 minutes apart. Also a little funny it’s getting a little cloudier now. Mother Nature operates in a funny manner.
UPDATE 10:45 Tsunami expected to hit Hilo 11:05 and Honolulu Harbor at 11:37
UPDATE 11:05 Of course some fool is in the water off of Waikiki Beach. He looks to be the only one in there and on the beach. Our warning sirens just have started going off again. This is the fourth time since 6 am
UPDATE 11:16 Tsunami still hasn’t hit Hilo. They are still waiting. The reporter on TV also is saying how calm it is there.
UPDATE 11:28 KITV reporting that they are starting to see activity and changes in Hilo. The Wailua River they are seeing mud in the bottom and the river beginning to rise and out on the reef they are seeing more activity. But it’s still calm there.
UPDATE 11:33 Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirms that the Tsunami has arrived and the event has begun. KITV saying that the water from the Wailua River is beginning to move out
UPDATE 12:13 KITV reporting the third wave is beginning in Hilo and it’s a little stronger than the first two
UPDATE 12:17 KITV showing and reporting that there are subtle changes in the water on Oahu. Mainly noticing the small water ways like the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and Ala Wai Canal. So it has hit Oahu. You can see on the TV that the water level is lower so it was going out. A KITV reporter in one of the hotels on the 7th floor is saying it’s not as dramatic as one would think. This is good news but we will see with the third wave when it hits Oahu.
UPDATE 12:32 Tsunami Warning Center says we have about another hour before they can cancel the warning. They are going to try and figure out what happened with this event. They are saying we escaped by the skin of our teeth. Yippeee!!!!
UPDATE 1:44 Tsunami Warning Center has canceled the Tsunami Warning. YEA. And I just got back from watching and photographing waves come in and out. They will be posted soon.
Me Ke Aloha
Hey, it’s only my opinion.
A Hui Hou
