Hundreds rescued and evacuations ordered as catastrophic flash flooding hits Oahu
Hundreds Rescued Amid Severe Flooding on Oahu
As torrential rains continue to disrupt Oahu, hundreds of residents have been saved from hazardous conditions, while emergency orders remain active in areas near the Wahiawa dam. Officials warned that the structure was at risk of collapsing or breaking, prompting immediate action to secure nearby communities. Governor Josh Green confirmed that the flooding is the most intense in the state’s history in 20 years, with over 236 individuals airlifted or transported to safety so far.
Green noted that the damage could surpass $1 billion, affecting both public and private infrastructure. Homes, airports, and hospitals have been submerged, while entire towns are isolated. The emergency management department reported that water levels at the dam began to recede late Friday, though monitoring continues as levels remain high. “We seem to be OK, it’s been trending downwards now these last few hours,” Green stated during a Saturday update.
Two Storms Fuel the Crisis
This week’s flooding follows a second major storm, which saturated the ground before the current downpours intensified. “The ground is already soaked from last weekend’s storm, so water is running off quickly,” said spokesperson Molly Pierce. She added that the North Shore area, particularly Waialua and Haleiwa, faces significant threats, with residents urged to evacuate immediately.
“We understand there’s more rain coming,” said Kathleen Pahinui, a Waialua resident preparing to flee to higher ground. “Just pray for us.”
Emergency teams have been working tirelessly, with the Hawaii National Guard activated to assist in rescue operations. Over 70 people were extracted from a campsite on the North Shore, and US Coast Guard assets were deployed to Haleiwa to ensure safe passage. “All points into the area are currently flooded,” Pierce emphasized, highlighting the difficulty responders faced accessing the region early Friday.
Evacuation Orders and Ongoing Challenges
Evacuation notices remain in effect for the North Shore, affecting up to 10,000 people. Officials warned that roads in Waialua are vulnerable, urging residents to leave before conditions worsen. While no fatalities have been reported, 10 individuals were hospitalized with hypothermia, according to Green. The storm is expected to persist for at least two more days, adding to the uncertainty of the situation.
Heavy rainfall from a Kona storm has drenched the island, with totals reaching 6 to 12 inches in some areas. The deluge, which equates to two to three months’ worth of rain in 24 hours, has overwhelmed the region’s drainage systems. “This storm will go on for another two days at least,” Green said, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance.
