Massive flooding devastates Oahu as thousands evacuate
Hawaii is facing its worst flooding in more than two decades after relentless heavy rainfall overwhelmed already saturated ground, officials said, warning that more rain is expected in the coming days.
On Oahu’s North Shore, muddy floodwaters submerged large areas, lifting homes and vehicles and forcing the evacuation of around 5,500 residents north of Honolulu.
Authorities also raised alarm over a 120-year-old dam in Wahiawa, which remains at risk of failure amid rising water levels.
Over 200 rescues as emergency response intensifies
Emergency crews have carried out more than 200 rescues across the island, while around 10 people were hospitalized with hypothermia.
Search and rescue operations have been conducted both by air and water, although efforts were complicated by civilians flying personal drones over flooded areas.
In a major operation, the National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department airlifted 72 children and adults from a youth camp on Oahu’s west coast as a precaution.
Despite the scale of the disaster, no fatalities or missing persons have been reported so far.
Damage could exceed $1 billion
Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned that the total cost of the disaster could surpass $1 billion, with damage reported to infrastructure including roads, airports, schools, homes, and even a hospital on Maui.
Officials described the situation as catastrophic, with dozens — possibly hundreds — of homes damaged, though a full assessment is still underway.
Flash flood warnings and urgent evacuation alerts
Most of Hawaii remains under flood watch, while areas such as Haleiwa and Waialua were placed under flash flood warnings.
Emergency alerts urged residents to evacuate immediately, warning that the last remaining access road could fail if heavy rainfall continues.
Extreme rainfall overwhelms the island
Meteorologists reported that parts of Oahu received between 8 and 12 inches of rain overnight, while the island’s highest peak recorded nearly 16 inches within 24 hours.
Additional rainfall of up to 8 inches is expected in the coming days, raising concerns about worsening flooding conditions.
The storms have been linked to “Kona lows,” winter systems that bring moisture-laden air to the region, with experts noting that climate change is increasing the intensity of such events.
Aging dam raises serious safety concerns
The Wahiawa dam, originally built in 1906, has long been considered vulnerable and classified as having a “high hazard potential,” meaning failure could result in loss of life.
Water levels came dangerously close to capacity, rising rapidly during the storm, although they briefly receded later.
Authorities continue to monitor the structure closely as additional rainfall could quickly worsen the situation.
