Thousands Evacuated on Oahu as Island Experiences Worst Flooding in Two Decades

It has been anything but paradise in Hawaii over the last several days. A major flooding event has unfolded across the island of Oahu, forcing the rescue of over 230 people and the evacuation of thousands. Here is the latest on the life-threatening situation taking place in some parts of Hawaii.

Over 5,000 People Evacuated in Oahu as Flooding Grips the Island

The worst flooding in over two decades has been impacting Oahu in recent days. Rising water levels at the Wahiawa dam prompted local officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 5,500 people. Property damage across the islands has already eclipsed $1 billion since the first of two Kona Low storms unleashed heavy rain and high winds.

According to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, several homes have been damaged over the last week. However, authorities have not been able to completely assess the damage. In addition to widespread property damage to homes, schools, airports, and roads have also been damaged by the impacts.

Emergency crews are on the scene in Oahu conducting search and rescue operations. It was a precarious situation when 72 children and adults at a spring break youth camp had to be airlifted by the National Guard and the Honolulu Fire Department. At least 10 of these people were treated in the hospital for hypothermia. Fortunately, there have been no reports of death or injuries.

A Kona Low that hit the island chain over a week ago was quickly followed by a similar storm. The result was repeated rounds of persistent rainfall and gusty conditions. The hardest-hit areas of Oahu have picked up 8 to 12 inches of rain since last week.

Local authorities in Oahu have been closely monitoring the Wahiawa dam, a 120-year-old structure that is at risk of failing as the water continues to rise. Residents have been told to leave the area surrounding the dam immediately, as it "may collapse or breach at any time." The warning also advised residents to carpool as traffic builds up across the island.  Honolulu officials first issued the "LEAVE NOW" evacuation order early Friday morning for Haleiwa and Waialua.

The area to the north of the capital city of Honolulu has been hit the hardest by the flash flooding. For example, the North Shore bore the brunt of the damage from rising floodwaters. This region has been under flash flood warnings since Friday morning.

All of the roads in the Waialua area are at risk of failure. An alert from the emergency management department warned residents to “Leave now while conditions are safe to prevent becoming stuck."

U.S. Coast Guard boats and aircraft were sent to the impacted zone in Haleiwa on Friday.  Emergency responders had a difficult time accessing the flooded area early Friday morning due to flooding of the primary roadways leading into the community. Both the  Kamehameha Highway and Kaukonahua Road were overcome with floodwaters.

Other Areas in the Danger Zone

A train of low-pressure systems has been chugging over the islands, funneling in moisture from the tropical Pacific. Every round of rain further exacerbates the flooding situation. The expectation of more rain in the days ahead prompted Hawaii Gov. Josh Green to activate the state's National Guard units.