An emergency evacuation order has been issued due to the potential collapse of a century-old dam in Hawaii.
Authorities in Honolulu have instructed over 4,000 residents in the northern towns of Oahu, the most populous Hawaiian island, to evacuate immediately as the Wahiawa Dam is in danger of failing. The evacuation order, labeled “LEAVE NOW,” was declared at 5:35 am local time on Friday for communities downstream of the dam, including Waialua and Haleiwa. Officials have raised concerns about the dam’s high water level, warning of the imminent risk of severe flooding.
Residents have been advised to relocate to higher ground promptly, avoid flooded roads, and consider carpooling to alleviate traffic congestion.
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii has announced the activation of the Hawaii National Guard to address the flooding situation, particularly severe in the northern part of Oahu. He described the floodwaters as reaching chest-high levels and anticipated a challenging day ahead.
A flood watch was issued for most of the state, with northern Oahu under a flash flood warning, as reported by the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Widespread life-threatening flash flooding was recorded, especially in Haleiwa and Waialua.
Due to flooding, one shelter at Waialua High and Intermediate School is being evacuated, with approximately 185 individuals and 50 pets being relocated to another evacuation center, according to Honolulu spokesperson Ian Scheuring.
A resident of Waialua, Kathleen Pahinui, expressed concerns about the aging dam’s condition during rainy weather and requested prayers for their safety amid the forecasted continued rainfall.
Molly Pierce, a spokesperson for the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, stated that the evacuation order applies to over 4,000 individuals, although the actual number could be higher.
Authorities had previously issued a cautionary notice about the dam during heavy rainfall last week, but the water levels subsided as the rain diminished. Currently, water is flowing over the spillway.
The state of Hawaii oversees 132 dams, primarily constructed for the sugar cane industry’s irrigation systems, according to a 2019 infrastructure report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2006, a dam collapse on Kauai resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives.
