Hawaii assesses damage from worst floods in more than 20 years.

Hawaii is currently assessing extensive damage from the worst flooding to strike the islands in over two decades.

“Advertising This Saturday, March 22, Hawaii authorities have urged evacuations in the most affected areas due to the floods the state is experiencing”

Antena 3

Heavy rains and floodwaters have devastated communities across Oahu and Maui.

Antena 3

The storm system featured southerly winds bringing moisture-laden air known as 'Kona lows,' delivering up to 4 feet of precipitation in hardest-hit areas.

Floodwaters lifted houses, cars, and inundated farms and grocery stores.

The disaster followed extreme winter weather that had already saturated the soil, creating conditions ripe for catastrophic flooding.

Governor Josh Green confirmed during a press conference that the storms have caused at least $1 billion in damages.

This represents one of the most significant weather events to impact Hawaii in decades.

The scale of destruction has left communities reeling.

The North Shore communities of Waialua and Hale'iwa were particularly hard hit by mud and flood damage.

CBS News

On Maui, the storm caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure.

The storm blasted down riverbeds, blew out bridges and roads, and swallowed vehicles.

The 85-foot, 120-year-old Wahiawa dam became a major concern during the height of the storm.

Officials feared potential failure that could endanger thousands of residents.

Water levels have since subsided according to emergency management officials.

Damage extends to critical infrastructure including airports, schools, roads, and even a Maui hospital in Kula.

The full extent of destruction is still being assessed in many areas.

Emergency response efforts have been extensive.

“Hawaii experienced this week its worst flood disaster since 2004”

Clarín

More than 200 people have been rescued from rising floodwaters.

Evacuation orders were issued for 5,500 people north of Honolulu.

National Guard members have been deployed to northern Oahu.

They trudged through waist-deep water to assist stranded drivers and homeowners trapped in mud.

More than 2,000 residents remained without power over the weekend.

Utility crews worked to restore services.

Among those displaced was Honolulu-born actor Jason Momoa.

He posted a video from Instagram confirming his family had evacuated the North Shore and lost power.

The evacuation and rescue efforts have been complicated by the rapid onset of the flooding and widespread damage.

Climate experts are linking the intensity and frequency of Hawaii's heavy rainfall events to human-caused global warming.

The current disaster highlights the growing vulnerability of Pacific island communities to extreme weather.

New York Post

While no deaths have been reported from the flooding, the financial and emotional toll remains significant.

This is particularly true for communities still recovering from the 2021 Maui wildfires that killed 102 people.

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda noted that for many residents, the flooding has added to existing trauma.

Some have lost homes they had only recently rebuilt after the wildfires.

Governor Green emphasized the serious consequences for the state.

He confirmed that his office has already received assurances of federal support from the White House.

The recovery effort will be challenging, with officials warning that months of cleanup and rebuilding lie ahead.