HONOLULU (AP) — Muddy floodwaters from severe rains inundated streets, pushed homes off their foundations, swallowed vehicles and prompted evacuation orders for thousands of residents in towns north of Honolulu on Friday as officials warned of the possible failure of a 120-year-old dam.
Emergency sirens blared along Oahu’s North Shore, where rising waters damaged homes in a community world-renowned for its surfing. Honolulu officials told residents Friday morning to leave the area downstream of Wahiawa dam — long known to be vulnerable — saying it was 'at risk of imminent failure.'
More than 230 people were rescued as heavy rains pummeled the Hawaiian island of Oahu and triggered the worst flooding the island has seen in 20 years, inflicting what the governor said could top $1 billion in damages.
Water levels have been fluctuating at the dam that authorities warned could fail but could change if more rain falls. In less than 24 hours, the water at the dam rose from 79 feet to 84 feet — just six feet shy of what it can handle, authorities reported.
No deaths reported, but some treated for hypothermia
No deaths were reported and no one was unaccounted for, Gov. Josh Green stated at a news conference. About 10 people were taken to a hospital with hypothermia, he said.
Efforts to locate stranded individuals were underway but hampered by personal drones flown by onlookers seeking images of the flooding, prompting concerns regarding both safety and privacy.
Dozens — if not hundreds — of homes had been damaged but officials have not been able to fully assess the destruction, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced in an afternoon news conference. Approximately 5,500 people were under evacuation orders.
Keeping a close eye on the dam
Authorities have been monitoring dam levels since recent storms dumped heavy rain across the state, leading to catastrophic flooding that washed away roads and homes. A similar but weaker storm is forecasted to bring additional rain over the weekend, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Most of the state is under a flood watch, with Haleiwa and Waialua in northern Oahu designated as high-risk areas. Reports indicate variable rainfall amounts, with some areas receiving as much as 16 inches within a day.
'Kona lows' increasing rainfall events
Globally, excessive rain patterns like the recent storms in Hawaii are becoming more common due to climate change. Residents expressed ongoing concerns about the aging Wahiawa dam, which has a long history of safety issues, as the state scrambles to implement repairs before any disaster occurs.
In light of the dam's history, lawmakers approved legislation to authorize the state’s acquisition of the dam and repair funds, yet the transfer has not yet been finalized. The safety of residents remains a paramount concern as additional rain looms on the horizon.
