More than 5,500 individuals have been evacuated due to extensive flooding on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the worst in over two decades. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted to persist over Hawaii, particularly impacting Oahu and Maui County, with risks of further flooding and damage. Governor Josh Green of Hawaii emphasized the ongoing threat, stating that additional rainfall is expected over the weekend, potentially reaching up to 12 inches in certain areas.
The saturated ground poses significant dangers, making it easier for even moderate rainfall to trigger flooding, road closures, and property damage. Governor Green estimated that the storm’s impact could exceed 1 billion US dollars in damages to both private and public assets. Despite more than 230 successful rescues during the storm, concerns have been raised about a possible failure of a 120-year-old dam downstream of Wahiawa.
Authorities have issued warnings for residents downstream of the aging dam, alerting them to the imminent risk of its collapse. In response to the crisis, over 200 National Guard members have been mobilized to aid in rescue operations, road closures, and ensuring public safety measures during this critical period.
