Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Oprah Defends Against Road Closure Claims Amid Tsunami Evacuation

Oprah Winfrey has hit back at claims she failed to open her private road in Maui, Hawaii after the island was hit by tsunami warnings

Tsunami Tussle: Oprah Winfrey Accused of Refusing to Open Private Road Amid Hawaii Evacuation Chaos

In a shocking turn of events, media mogul Oprah Winfrey has been accused of refusing to open her private road in Maui, Hawaii, leaving thousands stranded as a tsunami warning was issued for the island chain. The drama unfolded as residents scrambled to escape the impending disaster, with many taking to social media to express their frustration and disappointment.

As reports emerged that Oprah's private road remained closed despite the emergency, many took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to call out the media icon, accusing her of prioritizing her own interests over the safety of those in need. "Oprah won't open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground," wrote one user. "Massive Traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape the massive Tsunami coming. Open the road Oprah!"

Residents on the island have claimed that Oprah 'refused' to open her private road, which would help ease congestion for those trying to escape (pictured Oprah's estate in Hawaii)

Another user chimed in, claiming that Oprah's refusal to open her private road had caused gridlock on the roads of Maui, leaving many stranded and vulnerable to the impending tsunami. "Oprah HAS NOT opened her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would allow coastal folks to reach higher ground quickly," they wrote. "Roads on Maui are GRIDLOCKED as people try to escape the incoming Tsunami."

However, Oprah's team has since come out swinging, denying the allegations and insisting that she did indeed open her private road as soon as she heard the tsunami warnings. According to a spokesperson for Oprah, "As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false."

The spokesperson continued, "Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone's safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary." It remains unclear whether Oprah personally intervened to have her private road opened or if it was simply the result of her team's efforts.

Rescuers inspecting a damaged kindergarten building in Russia's Kamchatka region after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's far east coast

Meanwhile, the situation in Hawaii continued to unfold with devastating consequences. A massive earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck near Russia's eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings for several countries across the Pacific, including Japan and the United States. The quake was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, with some reaching as high as 7.4 magnitude.

As the news spread like wildfire, residents in Hawaii were forced to evacuate their homes, with many seeking shelter in higher ground. Water levels rose dramatically, flooding coastal areas and causing widespread destruction. In Oahu, the US Army and Navy opened Kolekole Pass and sections of Schofield Barracks on Oahu to help with evacuation efforts.

President Donald Trump took to social media to urge Americans to "STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE" as the crisis unfolded. Locals were seen scrambling to stock up on water and essentials, while Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation for the state, warning residents not to venture out until further notice.

Videos posted by people at the scene show gridlocked traffic jams as others claimed there are 'thousands' trying to leave low lying areas (Ala Way Harbour, Waikiki)

The aftermath of the disaster has left many shaken, with reports emerging of critical traffic accidents and widespread damage to infrastructure. The National Guard is on standby, ready to assist with rescue efforts if needed.

As the world watches in horror, one thing is clear: the power of nature can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying. And for Oprah Winfrey, this latest controversy has left many wondering what really went down behind closed doors.

The Numbers

People who evacuated to the rooftop of a building in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 30, 2025

  • The earthquake measured 8.8 on the Richter scale, making it the largest this year.
  • Over 1.9 million people in Japan were under evacuation orders late Tuesday night.
  • Thousands of residents in Hawaii were forced to evacuate their homes as the tsunami warning was issued.
  • Water levels rose above 4 feet in Haleiwa on Oahu's north shore, reaching 5 feet just minutes later.

A Tsunami Timeline

  • 7:24 PM EST: The massive earthquake strikes near Russia's eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, measuring 8.8 magnitude.
  • 7:40 PM local time (1:40 AM EST): Water begins to recede in Hawaii as the tsunami warning is issued.
  • 8:20 PM local time (2:20 AM EST): The first tsunami waves hit Hawaii, with water levels rising above 4 feet in Haleiwa.

The quake hit near Russia's eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, casting out 15ft waves across the Pacific and causing rock fall into the ocean

A Note on Tsunami Safety

  • Even small tsunami waves can be destructive, capable of knocking over an adult with just six inches of water.
  • Two feet of fast-moving water is enough to carry away most vehicles.
  • Strong currents can injure and drown people in or near the water, as well as damage and destroy boats and infrastructure.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: natural disasters like this one serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature. And for those caught up in the midst of it all, the next 24 hours will be a test of strength, resilience, and humanity.

One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck Russia's sparsely populated Far East early on July 30, causing tsunamis of up to four metres (12 feet) across the Pacific and sparking evacuations from Hawaii to Japan

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • US Geological Survey
  • National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Governor Josh Green's Office
  • Hawaii Department of Emergency Management

Oahu residents seek refuge from the threat of tsunami in a Walmart parking lot in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, Tuesday, July 29, 2025