• East Island is located about 550 miles northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.
• In early October, the island was effectively wiped off the map when Hurricane Walaka swept through it.
• Scientists say East Island was the nesting ground for 50% of the world’s Hawaiian green sea turtles.
• It’s unclear if the island will reappear, and scientists expect future hurricanes to be stronger and wetter due to climate change.

An 11-acre island in the Pacific Ocean has vanished after Hurricane Walaka, one of the most powerful storms to sweep through the area, struck the island in early October.

Satellite photos show that East Island, located roughly 550 miles northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, was wiped off the map during the hurricane.

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