HONOLULU (AP) — Muddy floodwaters inundated streets in north Oahu on Friday as severe rains hit Hawaii, leading officials to issue evacuation orders for thousands of residents and warning of a possible failure of a 120-year-old dam.
Emergency sirens rang out across Oahu’s North Shore, where water damage affected homes in a community beloved for its surfing culture. Emergency officials advised residents downstream of the Wahiawa dam, which has been known to be at risk, to evacuate immediately.
As the rain continued to fall, over 230 individuals were rescued during what has been described as the worst flooding in 20 years on the Hawaiian island. Governor Josh Green commented on the catastrophic damage that could approach $1 billion.
The dam's water levels have increased significantly in a short period, raising concerns as authorities stressed that any additional rainfall could drastically change the situation.
No fatalities reported but several hospitalized for hypothermia
Thankfully, no deaths have been recorded with officials confirming that no one remains unaccounted for. However, approximately 10 individuals have been treated for hypothermia.
Search and rescue operations have faced complications due to locals using drones to capture images of the floods, which impeded rescue efforts, as noted by the governor.
Authorities have advised that around 5,500 individuals were under evacuation orders that afternoon following extensive property damage. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi assessed the damage as “catastrophic” but lamented that further evaluations remain difficult due to ongoing weather conditions.
Personnel from the National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department conducted airlifts to rescue individuals from a youth camp affected by the flooding. The camp is situated on higher ground, but access routes were rendered impassable, necessitating preemptive evacuations.
Further, evacuation orders were also issued for some neighborhoods in Maui, which were affected by previously damaging wildfires.
Monitoring the dam closely
The state and local officials have maintained close watch over the dam’s levels following a storm last week that critically damaged infrastructure across the state. Two persons were injured in that event, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by severe weather events.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of the area while several towns remain under heightened alerts. Weather patterns consistent with 'Kona lows,' known for significant moisture influx, are reported to have contributed to the recent deluge, and experts note the increasing intensity of such storms correlates with climate change.
One Waialua resident noted the anxiety surrounding the aging infrastructures, particularly the dam, during heavy rainfalls. Reports detailed that the dam's history includes a reconstruction following a collapse in 1921, and there have been multiple safety notices sent to the owners.
Investments were outlined in 2023 to repair and enhance safety protocols surrounding the dam, yet the transfer of ownership and necessary upgrades remained incomplete at the time of the flooding.
The historical dam, built in 1906 to boost agricultural production, requires significant attention, according to state reports that also mention oversight of numerous dams within the region.
With continuing weather forecasts predicting more rain ahead, the situation remains precarious as officials and residents hold their breath for what comes next.
