Thousands of residents on Oahu’s North Shore were ordered to evacuate early Friday as torrential rains continued to batter Hawaii, triggering widespread flash flooding and raising the imminent threat of a dam breach. The Wahiawā dam, already strained from heavy rainfall last week, was actively overflowing at 1,500 gallons per second, prompting Honolulu officials to issue a “LEAVE NOW” evacuation order for the communities of Waialua and Haleiwa at 5:35 a.m. Local time.
The situation is rapidly evolving, with emergency services struggling to reach residents as roads develop into impassable. The National Weather Service reported “widespread life-threatening flash flooding” across northern Oahu, particularly in Haleiwa and Waialua, and maintained a flash-flood warning for the region. This latest deluge comes just days after a powerful storm system brought more than a foot of rain to parts of the state, causing significant damage and prompting earlier flood warnings.
Dam Breach Threat Prompts Urgent Evacuations
The primary concern centers on the Wahiawā dam, a structure built decades ago for irrigation purposes. Honolulu Emergency Management warned that the dam “may collapse or breach at any time,” a scenario that would send a surge of water downstream, endangering homes and lives. Molly Pierce, spokesperson for the Honolulu department of emergency management, stated the evacuation order covers more than 4,000 people, though the actual number affected could be higher.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by reports of a shelter at Waialua High and Intermediate School being evacuated due to flooding. Approximately 185 people and 50 pets were being transported to another evacuation center, according to Ian Scheuring, a Honolulu spokesperson. The loss of the initial shelter highlights the challenges facing emergency responders and evacuees alike.
North Shore Residents Face Difficult Conditions
Residents described a chaotic scene as floodwaters rose quickly overnight. Kathleen Pahinui, a Waialua resident preparing to evacuate to a friend’s home, told the Associated Press that the aging dam is a recurring worry during heavy rainfall. “Just pray for us,” she said. “We understand there’s more rain coming.”
State Representative Amy Perruso, representing the North Shore, reported that emergency services were facing significant obstacles in reaching those in need. “There’s no exit possibility for a lot of folks right now,” Perruso told Honolulu Civil Beat. She added that many vehicles were already submerged in water.
The Honolulu emergency department issued critical safety advice to those trapped by the rising waters: “If you are trapped, go to the highest level. Stay out of attics without a way to the roof.”
Hawaii’s Aging Infrastructure and Flood Risk
The current crisis underscores the vulnerability of Hawaii’s infrastructure to extreme weather events. The state regulates 132 dams, many of which were originally constructed for the now-declining sugar cane industry, according to a 2019 infrastructure report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Concerns about the condition of these dams have been raised for years.
The potential for catastrophic dam failures is not latest to Hawaii. In 2006, seven people were killed when the Ka Loko dam on the island of Kauai collapsed, releasing a devastating torrent of water. This tragedy prompted increased scrutiny of dam safety across the state, but challenges remain in maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure.
State Response and Ongoing Forecast
Hawaii Governor Josh Green activated the Hawaii National Guard to assist with the flood response. “The storm of course is very severe right now, particularly on the northern part of Oahu,” Governor Green said in a social media post, describing floodwaters reaching chest-high levels. “It’s going to be a very touch-and-go day.”
While the immediate threat is focused on the Wahiawā dam, the National Weather Service warns that additional rainfall is expected through the weekend, potentially exacerbating the flooding situation. Residents are urged to stay informed, heed evacuation orders, and monitor official updates from Honolulu Emergency Management.
Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and the number of people affected. Updates will be provided as they become available. For the latest information and safety guidance, residents are encouraged to visit the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management website: https://www.honolulu.gov/dem.
The situation remains fluid, and the coming hours will be critical as officials work to mitigate the risk of a dam breach and ensure the safety of residents on Oahu’s North Shore. The next official update from Honolulu Emergency Management is expected Friday afternoon, providing a further assessment of the dam’s stability and the ongoing evacuation efforts.
If you’ve been affected by the flooding on Oahu, please share your experience in the comments below. And please, share this article with anyone who may be impacted by this developing situation.
Worth a look
