Catastrophic flooding in Hawaii as Oahu faces evacuations, dam fears Catastrophic flooding has struck Hawaii, with Oahu facing urgent evacuations and fears of a dam collapse. The state is experiencing its worst flooding in two decades, as relentless rain and damaging winds from back-to-back storms have caused widespread destruction. Authorities warned that the situation poses a significant threat to residents and infrastructure, with emergency measures in place to protect lives. The flooding, driven by kona storms—Hawaii’s winter cyclones—has led to severe water levels, damaged roads, and the risk of a dam bursting. On March 20, thousands were evacuated from areas including Haleʻiwa and Waialua after officials issued an alert stating the 120-year-old dam in Central Oahu was at "imminent risk of failure." While the dam did not collapse, the warning prompted immediate action, with residents urged to "LEAVE NOW." Governor Josh Green emphasized that no deaths or missing persons had been reported, but the scale of the crisis was unprecedented since the early 2000s. Rescue efforts have been underway, with over 200 people saved from flooded areas and approximately 10 hospitalized for hypothermia. Green described the flooding as a "major threat" to the state, highlighting the extensive damage to homes, roads, schools, airports, and a hospital on Maui. Officials estimated the total damage could reach $1 billion, surpassing the $85 million in losses from the 2004 Manoa Flood. The current crisis is linked to a series of kona storms, which are rare but powerful winter weather systems that typically affect the leeward sides of the islands. These storms, characterized by heavy rainfall and strong winds, have brought record-breaking precipitation.#hawaii #wahiawa_dam #oahu #kona_storms #manoa_flood
