Severe Floods in Oahu Raise Alarm Over Aging Dam’s Stability
In the wake of relentless rainfall, Oahu’s North Shore finds itself grappling with severe flooding that has displaced residents and threatened infrastructure. The deluge has triggered an evacuation order over fears that the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam could fail, putting thousands at risk.
As emergency sirens echoed through the area, Honolulu officials urged those living downstream to evacuate immediately. “The dam is at risk of imminent failure,” they warned in an early morning alert on Friday. The flooding has caused significant damage, with reports of homes being uprooted and streets submerged.
Efforts are underway to locate and assist individuals stranded by the rising waters. Ian Scheuring, a spokesperson for Honolulu, confirmed that homes have been swept away, though the extent of the damage remains uncertain. The evacuation advisory also recommended carpooling to mitigate traffic congestion.
Rainfall has been a persistent challenge for the state, exacerbating the situation with forecasts predicting more downpours over the weekend. Last week’s storm had already saturated the area, leading to catastrophic flooding that destroyed roads and residences.
Governor Josh Green highlighted the severity of the situation on social media, noting the activation of the Hawaii National Guard to aid in relief efforts. He described the conditions as “very severe,” particularly in northern Oahu, where floodwaters have reached chest height.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for most of the state, with northern Oahu under a flash flood warning. They described the ongoing flooding as “extremely dangerous” and “life-threatening,” especially in areas like Haleiwa and Waialua.
Evacuation centers have been set up, but some, like the one at Waialua High and Intermediate School, have had to relocate due to flooding. Approximately 185 residents and 50 pets were moved to a safer location.
Waialua resident Kathleen Pahinui expressed concern over the aging dam, stating, “Just pray for us. We understand there’s more rain coming.”
The evacuation order affects over 4,000 people, according to Molly Pierce from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management. The dam’s status remains precarious, with water actively spilling over its spillway.
State Sen. Brenton Awa noted the significant development and population growth in the North Shore area, once famous for its surfing and tourism. He expressed concern over the long-term impact of the flooding on the community, which has become increasingly isolated due to impassable roads.
Hawaii manages 132 dams, many constructed for the sugar cane industry. The state’s history includes a tragic reminder of dam failures, such as the 2006 Ka Loko dam collapse on Kauai, which resulted in seven fatalities.
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Original Story at www.pbs.org