Seventy years ago, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake in the Aleutian Islands generated a tsunami that devastated Hilo. On April 1, 1946, Bill Jensen had driven from North Hilo into Hilo town. He observed that a section of the railroad bridge by the Wailuku River was washed out. Not knowing more waves were coming, he drove along Kamehameha Avenue just adjacent to the ocean. However, his path was blocked by scattered lumber, so he turned and drove inland, an action that saved his life. April is Tsunami Awareness Month, and in collaboration with the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Tribune-Herald is publishing photos from the aftermath of the 1946 tsunami each Friday in April. Remember, “It is not a matter of if, but when.” Be prepared.
Seventy years ago, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake in the Aleutian Islands generated a tsunami that devastated Hilo. On April 1, 1946, Bill Jensen had driven from North Hilo into Hilo town. He observed that a section of the railroad bridge by the Wailuku River was washed out. Not knowing more waves were coming, he drove along Kamehameha Avenue just adjacent to the ocean. However, his path was blocked by scattered lumber, so he turned and drove inland, an action that saved his life. April is Tsunami Awareness Month, and in collaboration with the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Tribune-Herald is publishing photos from the aftermath of the 1946 tsunami each Friday in April. Remember, “It is not a matter of if, but when.” Be prepared.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Tsunami Museum James Kerschner Collection