Breaking News Live Updates: Death toll rises to 150 in Nigeria's Benue village attack
A fast-moving brush fire on the Hawaiian island of Maui has forced the evacuation of over 100 homes since it began on Sunday. The fire, located in the sparsely populated Kahikinui area on the southeastern side of the island—approximately 60 miles from the devastating 2023 Lahaina fire—had grown to about 500 acres by Sunday night. No injuries or structural damage have been reported.
Lt Gov Sylvia Luke and Mayor Richard Bissen have signed emergency proclamations, activating the Hawaii National Guard to aid in fire suppression and authorising access to federal assistance. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter.
The Kahikinui area, distinct from the heavily touristed Lahaina, features land designated for Native Hawaiians under the Kahikinui Kuleana Homestead Program, which provides homestead lots for self-sufficient living, often on unimproved land. The 2023 Lahaina fire, caused by re-energised downed power lines and exacerbated by severe winds, killed over 100 people.
Meanwhile, wildfires continue to burn across the American West, including in the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, California, and the Rockies. Fire danger is escalating due to rising temperatures and low humidity, with forecasters warning that risks will persist until monsoon rains arrive. In southern New Mexico, a wildfire in the Gila National Forest has expanded to nearly 30 square miles, forcing evacuations and closing access to national monuments and trails.
Oregon has also seen dozens of homes destroyed by a fire that started last Wednesday. Despite a double number of fires nationwide compared to last year, the total acreage burned remains less, with over 2,700 firefighters currently deployed.
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Time of India
31-07-2025
- Time of India
India vs England 5th Test Preview: Can Shubman Gill's India level the series at The Oval?
US Tsunami: Waves Top 3 Feet, Northern California Still On Alert; Tourists 'Flee' Hawaii | Watch A massive 8.8‑magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula triggered widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific, sparking evacuations in Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast. Initial waves—measuring up to 5–6 feet—hit Hawaiian shores, causing minor flooding and prompting emergency response. In California, waves of 1–4 feet reached areas from Crescent City to Monterey, with Crescent City bracing for potentially 10‑foot waves. Authorities cautioned about dangerous currents even after warnings were downgraded. Emergency officials stressed that tsunami hazards persisted hours after the first wave, as multiple surges and strong currents remained active. Residents were urged to stay away from beaches, harbors, and low-lying coastal areas until advisories were lifted. Overall, no major damage or fatalities have been reported so far, but officials are monitoring aftershocks and follow-up waves to ensure public safety. 13.1K views | 18 hours ago
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First Post
31-07-2025
- First Post
Millions return home as Tsunami warning lifted across the Pacific rim
After one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded rattled Russia's sparsely populated Far East, more than a dozen nations – from Japan to the United States to Ecuador – warned citizens to stay away from coastal regions. read more View of the waves in Vina del Mar, Chile on July 30, 2025. Chile warned on July 29, 2025, of a "high probability" of a tsunami in the country as a result of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia, the Navy reported. AFP Tsunami warnings were lifted across the Pacific rim Wednesday, allowing millions of temporary evacuees to return home. After one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded rattled Russia's sparsely populated Far East, more than a dozen nations – from Japan to the United States to Ecuador – warned citizens to stay away from coastal regions. Storm surges of up to four metres (12 feet) were predicted for some parts of the Pacific, after the 8.8 quake struck off Russia's Kamchatka peninsula. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The tsunamis caused widespread disruption. Peru closed 65 of its 121 Pacific ports and authorities on Maui cancelled flights to and from the Hawaiian island. But fears of a catastrophe were not realised, with country after country lifting or downgrading warnings and telling coastal residents they could return. In Japan, almost two million people had been ordered to higher ground, before the warnings were downgraded or rescinded. The Fukushima nuclear plant in northeast Japan – destroyed by a huge quake and tsunami in 2011 – was temporarily evacuated. The only reported fatality was a woman killed while driving her car off a cliff in Japan as she tried to escape, local media reported. In Chile, authorities conducted what the Interior Ministry said was 'perhaps the most massive evacuation ever carried out in our country' – with 1.4 million people ordered to high ground. Chilean authorities reported no damage or victims and registered waves of just 60 centimeters (two feet) on the country's north coast. In the Galapagos Islands, where waves of up to three meters were expected, there was relief as the Ecuadoran navy's oceanographic institute said the danger had passed. Locals reported the sea level falling and then rising suddenly, a phenomenon which is commonly seen with the arrival of a tsunami. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But only a surge of just over a meter was reported, causing no damage. 'Everything is calm, I'm going back to work. The restaurants are reopening and the places tourists visit are also open again,' said 38-year-old Santa Cruz resident Isabel Grijalva. Earlier national parks were closed, schools were shuttered, loudspeakers blared warnings and tourists were spirited off sightseeing boats and onto the safety of land. The worst damage was seen in Russia, where a tsunami crashed through the port of Severo-Kurilsk and submerged the local fishing plant, officials said. Russian state television footage showed buildings and debris swept into the sea. The surge of water reached as far as the town's World War II monument about 400 meters from the shoreline, said Mayor Alexander Ovsyannikov. The initial quake also caused limited damage and only light injuries, despite being the strongest since 2011, when 15,000 people were killed in Japan. Russian scientists reported that the Klyuchevskoy volcano erupted shortly after the earthquake. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Red-hot lava is observed flowing down the western slope. There is a powerful glow above the volcano and explosions,' said Russia's Geophysical Survey. Pacific alerts Wednesday's quake was the strongest in the Kamchatka region since 1952, the regional seismic monitoring service said, warning of aftershocks of up to 7.5 magnitude. The US Geological Survey said the quake was one of the 10 strongest tremors recorded since 1900. It was followed by dozens of aftershocks that further shook the Russian Far East, including one of 6.9 magnitude. The USGS said there was a 59 percent chance of an aftershock of more than 7.0 magnitude in the next week.
India.com
31-07-2025
- India.com
From Hawaii To Chile, Tsunami Fears Ease; Pacific Nations Breathe After Russia's Monster Earthquake
New York: Colombia and Ecuador have officially withdrawn their tsunami alerts following the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's far eastern coastline on Wednesday. Authorities in both countries acknowledged the passing of the wave threat, but urged coastal residents to remain alert and follow official instructions as a precaution. Colombia's disaster management agency said the waves no longer pose a risk to the coasts of Nariño, Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Chocó. Meanwhile, Ecuador's Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute stated that although the primary danger has passed, some areas might still witness minor sea-level disturbances. Local residents were advised not to return to the beaches too soon. Chile on High Alert, But No Major Damage Reported In Chile, emergency officials confirmed there had been no reported injuries or damage on Easter Island, despite tsunami waves hitting the island's docked vessels. Authorities credited a swift and orderly evacuation for minimising risk. 'There are no reports of harm to people or infrastructure,' said Alicia Cebrián, head of the national emergency service Senapred. Government officials are coordinating with regional councils to assess the need for shelters. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde said decisions on evacuation facilities will be made locally and updated once authorities collect more information. As a preventive step, Chile also ordered residents to clear out from coastal parts of its Antarctic Territory, as well as sections of the Aysén Region, including Guaitecas and Cisnes. Similar precautions are being enforced across Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos. Hawaii, U.S. Coastline See Wave Activity Subside The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced the cancellation of tsunami advisories for all Hawaiian islands. Officials confirmed wave heights had diminished across the region. Hawaii experienced some of the highest waves from the Russian quake, peaking at 5.7 feet. In the mainland United States, alerts were lifted for much of the Pacific coastline. Advisories remain in effect for two parts of California and Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Officials warned of lingering ocean surges and strong currents, even in regions where the alert has ended. New Zealand Urges Vigilance New Zealand's national emergency agency issued a fresh advisory on Thursday morning. Residents near the coast were told to steer clear of beaches and stay away from the water. Authorities warned that strong and erratic surges may continue for several hours, even as the threat of inland flooding remains minimal. Officials confirmed that tsunami activity had already reached parts of the country. They stressed that initial waves are not always the most powerful, and that caution is necessary until the advisory is lifted. Galapagos Islands See Moderate Tsunami Waves Ecuador's Galapagos Islands were among the first to report tsunami activity after the Russian earthquake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center recorded waves as high as 1.04 metres in Baltra and 0.4 metres in Santa Cruz. Ecuador's naval institute confirmed similar readings and said some locations had seen waves of up to 1.3 metres. Though there was no material damage reported, Ecuadorian authorities kept the national tsunami warning in place. Oceanographic Institute of the Navy (INOCAR) advised residents in at-risk areas to continue evacuations and remain in safe zones. Officials reminded people that tsunamis often consist of multiple waves, and the danger may persist for hours. Chile Evacuates Prisons in Low-Lying Zones Five Chilean prisons are being evacuated under emergency protocols. The facilities are located at low elevations along the coast. Inmates are being transferred to other correctional centres within the region. The operation is being carried out under full security guidelines, according to the interior ministry. Authorities refrained from disclosing the specific locations of the facilities, citing national security measures. Elizalde emphasised that all steps were part of Chile's established natural disaster contingency planning. Over 100 Aftershocks Recorded Since Main Quake The earthquake that struck off Russia's eastern coast has been followed by more than 125 aftershocks above magnitude 4.4. At least three of these exceeded magnitude 6.0. The strongest aftershock registered at 6.9 under an hour after the initial quake. Seismic experts said the region could expect several more tremors in the coming days. Data from the US Geological Survey suggests the frequency and intensity of aftershocks will decline over time, but activity may continue for weeks or months. Shock and Disruption in Russia's Far East In Russia, residents near the quake's epicenter described moments of chaos. Tremors reportedly lasted up to four minutes. People rushed to fuel stations, trying to stock up. At homes, paintings fell from walls and furniture shifted. In Kamchatka, a tourist guide said the floor moved like waves. Many high-rise residents are reportedly considering temporary relocation. The Kremlin confirmed that there were no casualties. However, officials did not comment on the number of people injured or displaced. A Region Breathing Again Authorities across the Pacific Rim are stepping back from red alerts, yet remain in watch mode. The earthquake's long reach sparked a ripple effect across continents. Governments, emergency teams and local communities responded quickly. For now, the waves have passed. But for those living by the ocean, the memory of what could have been will linger.
