Authorities in Oahu have issued evacuation orders for over 5,500 residents as concerns grow over the potential failure of the Wahiawa Dam, a structure that has been in a deteriorating state for many years. Flash flooding has emerged as a significant threat, exacerbated by severe rainstorms, leading to calls for immediate action from local emergency services.
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The warnings came to a head Thursday night, when heavy rain began to fall at rates between 1 to 3 inches per hour, as indicated by the National Weather Service. The situation escalated quickly, prompting the Oahu Department of Emergency Management to alert the community that the 120-year-old dam could collapse or breach at any moment.
As the danger intensified, homes in the Haleiwa region were reported washed away due to the flash flooding, prompting swift rescue efforts from local firefighters and lifeguards. Jet skis were deployed to navigate through the floodwaters in search of stranded individuals, although there have been no reports of fatalities or serious injuries thus far.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green addressed the public via social media, confirming that floodwaters had risen to chest level in some areas and emphasising the urgency of the evacuation measures. He mentioned that military reserves, including Schofield troops and the Coast Guard, had been mobilised to assist in ensuring the safety of residents. Despite the rain potentially easing, the governor cautioned that this could lead to increased flooding, stressing the necessity of caution.
The evacuation alerts were raised shortly after water levels near the Wahiawa Dam approached 85 feet, surpassing the mandatory evacuation threshold of 84 feet as reported by the nonprofit news outlet, Honolulu Civil Beat. Local resident Kathleen Pahinui expressed her anxieties regarding the dam, noting the persistent fears that arise with each rainfall.
The history of the Wahiawa Dam’s condition is unsettling, with Dole Food Co., the dam’s owner, receiving multiple warnings about safety issues long before the recent storms. State engineer Carty Chang underscored the seriousness of the situation during a meeting earlier this year, stating that the question was not if something would occur, but rather when it might happen, highlighting a lack of decisive action to rectify the dam’s precarious state.
The primary concern for emergency officials remains public safety. Honolulu Information Specialist Ryan Wilson urged residents to evacuate safely, advising them against driving through flowing water, which could lead to vehicles being swept away. For those unable to leave their homes, Wilson recommended finding shelter on the highest level of their residences.
As the community grapples with the immediate dangers posed by the flooding and the dam’s condition, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, assessing the risks and providing guidance to residents. The ongoing efforts aim to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population as the crisis unfolds.
With rain continuing to lash the area, the coming days will be critical for both residents and emergency services as they navigate the repercussions of the flooding and the potential threat from the Wahiawa Dam.