Thousands of residents in Hawaii are being urged to evacuate as they face the worst flooding the state has seen in 20 years. Heavy rainfall and severe storms have battered the islands, leading to dangerous flooding that is expected to cause damage exceeding $1 billion, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
As of now, over 230 people have been rescued, and the rain is still falling heavily. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, with warnings issued about a potentially collapsing dam on Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous island. Blangiardi has advised residents to “stay safe” and take the storm warnings seriously.
Governor Josh Green confirmed there have been no fatalities reported from the storms thus far, while acknowledging the hard work of emergency services in place to protect citizens. The rising floodwaters have prompted evacuation orders for around 5,500 individuals living north of Honolulu, and many roads remain closed across the archipelago.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has issued multiple flash flood warnings and encouraged residents to move to higher ground.
As the storms continue to wreak havoc, flood watches have also been issued for Maui, Molokai, and The Big Island, with storm-related damages already impacting airports, schools, and healthcare facilities. Governor Green described the flooding as a significant crisis for the state: “This is the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years.”
The island community is reeling from the impact of this storm, coming on the heels of the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires. With more rain and thunderstorms predicted over the weekend, residents remain on high alert.
As of now, over 230 people have been rescued, and the rain is still falling heavily. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, with warnings issued about a potentially collapsing dam on Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous island. Blangiardi has advised residents to “stay safe” and take the storm warnings seriously.
Governor Josh Green confirmed there have been no fatalities reported from the storms thus far, while acknowledging the hard work of emergency services in place to protect citizens. The rising floodwaters have prompted evacuation orders for around 5,500 individuals living north of Honolulu, and many roads remain closed across the archipelago.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has issued multiple flash flood warnings and encouraged residents to move to higher ground.
As the storms continue to wreak havoc, flood watches have also been issued for Maui, Molokai, and The Big Island, with storm-related damages already impacting airports, schools, and healthcare facilities. Governor Green described the flooding as a significant crisis for the state: “This is the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years.”
The island community is reeling from the impact of this storm, coming on the heels of the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires. With more rain and thunderstorms predicted over the weekend, residents remain on high alert.
