At 12:15 a.m the tsunami sirens rang and emergency vehicles sounded their PA systems to direct Waikiki residents and visitors to tune into local media. We heard the noise but didn’t tune in until this morning and that’s when we learned of the devastation in Japan and the tsunami threat here on Oahu.
By that time the warning was an advisory and so we took to the streets to find out for ourselves what this might mean for Hawaiians and her Japanese visitors. Very few Japanese were walking this morning. We guessed they were trying to reach loved ones or couldn’t unglue themselves from the dramatic images on their TV sets. For the ones we did see, I so wanted to convey my condolences but hardly knew how.
Instead, we took photos of things rarely seen in Waikiki. Hundreds of boats offshore, surf-sized waves and evidence of an overly high tide, and then the racks and racks of waiting surfboards. Since the beaches are officially closed, no lifeguards are on duty. All subtle reminders to pray for our friends in Japan.
Good to get first hand news and know you are Ok. Thanks for the e-mail. Hope D&M arrived without any delays and that the beaches will be open again soon.
We are praying for the people in Japan. Our niece Pat in Kamloops was able to contact her husband who works in Tokyo. He was fine but had to stay at work as no trains were running to his home about an hour away by train.