disrupted flights, evacuated residents and reinforced security in the face of the tsunami alert

Wednesday July 30, 2025, at 1:25 am in the morning (Paris time), a historic 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the Kamtchatkain northeast Russia. Nevertheless, This shock of exceptional power sparked a tsunami alert throughout the Pacific, with announced waves up to 4 meters. Moreover, In French PolynesiaBetween maximum vigilance, supervised flights and mobilized population, the archipelago retained its breath for several hours. Consequently, Finally. However, the alert was lifted in the early evening, but the episode recalls how nature can upset, in an instant, the life of Polynesian paradise.

Overall flights and controlled air disruption

Faced with the tsunami alert, air traffic in the Pacific was immediately reorganized. Moreover, Several Hawaii airports, including Kahului and Maui, temporarily closed their tracks, causing the cancellation of many flights. In French Polynesia, on the other hand, the main airports of In this study, the simultaneous simulation was used. remained open. No massive cancellation plan has been announced. but the companies have called on travelers to verify the status of their flight in real time, the situation that can evolve depending on the impact of the waves on the coast.

Air France. Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee or Air Caraïbes strengthened their communication with passengers, while Tahiti-Faa’a airport has deployed additional staff to fluidify assistance and avoid any panic. In parallel. the flights connecting Paris to Papeete-operated with stopovers in the United States-have only undergone slight hourly adjustments, disrupted flights, evacuated residents reinforced relief for the many tourists who had planned to fly to the destination.

As a reminder. depending on the world of the trip, the prices of plane tickets between Paris and Tahiti Turn around 1,200 to 1,300 euros in low season, a cost that has not discouraged the 263,000 visitors who chose Polynesia in 2024, a historic record for the archipelago. This episode of air tension could however temporarily slow the reservations, while the situation stabilizes completely.

Preventive evacuations. reinforced security and alert lifting

As airports continued to operate, local authorities have focused their efforts on the safety of residents. In Marquesas Islandspreventive evacuations have been put in place: coastal areas have been emptied as a precaution. access to beaches and blocked rivers. The High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia insisted on the need to “move away from the shores”. while the disrupted flights, evacuated residents reinforced Minister of Overseas, Manuel Valls, recognized on BFMTV “a legitimate concern”, recalling that “five to ten ocean waves” remained expected in the following hours.

Meanwhile. family hotels and pensions have activated their emergency plans: transfers from their customers to safe areas, implementation of information points and distribution of snacks to appease minds. Finally, the good news fell: at 7 a.m. local time (7 p.m. in Paris), the tsunami alert was lifted throughout French Polynesia. However, as a precautionary measure, all nautical activities have been prohibited in the archipelago while the last waves dissipate.

This episode, although in short, has shown the remarkable capacity of local authorities and the population to react effectively. Between discipline. solidarity and professionalism, Polynesia has been able to transform a moment of concern into a simple reminder of vigilance … before regaining its legendary calm.