Heavy Rains Flood Oahu as Wahiawa Dam May Fail; Thousands Evacuate

Severe flooding has devastated Hawaii's Oahu island, prompting massive evacuation orders as officials warn of the imminent failure of a 120-year-old dam.

“Major rains pummeled the area for the second major rain event in a week”

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Muddy floodwaters have inundated streets, pushed homes off their foundations, and swallowed vehicles across towns north of Honolulu.

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Emergency sirens blared along the world-renowned North Shore surfing communities as the situation escalated.

Honolulu officials issued a 'LEAVE NOW' evacuation order at 5:35 a.m. Friday for residents downstream of the Wahiawa Dam.

Authorities described the dam as 'at risk of imminent failure,' forcing thousands to flee their homes amid life-threatening conditions.

The Hawaii National Guard has been activated as emergency teams work to address the escalating crisis.

Officials warn that a dam failure could produce 'catastrophic amounts of fast-moving water' and 'life-threatening flooding' in downstream areas.

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Emergency management officials have been closely monitoring the Wahiawa Dam since heavy rains last week.

Those rains already caused significant damage to roads and homes across the state.

The situation remains extremely precarious as rainfall continues on already saturated ground.

Authorities maintain that the dam 'may collapse or breach at any time' despite recent stabilization efforts.

Parts of Oahu have received 8 to 12 inches of rain overnight, with the island's highest peak, Kaala, receiving nearly 16 inches in the past 24 days.

“Brenton Awa, a Republican who represents the North Shore, said the area that's long been popular among tourists and renowned for it's big-wave action, has seen a lot of development and newcomers in recent years”

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This comes on top of 26.6 inches between March 10 and 16, according to the National Weather Service.

The extreme rainfall is attributed to winter storm systems known as 'Kona lows,' featuring southerly winds that bring moisture-laden air.

Experts note that the intensity and frequency of heavy rains in Hawaii have increased amid human-caused global warming.

Despite temporary decreases in rainfall rates, officials warn that significant runoff continues to produce dangerous flooding impacts.

The Wahiawa Dam, a 120-year-old structure built in 1906 to increase sugar production for the Waialua Agricultural Company, has long been a concern.

The dam has a 'high hazard potential' and a failure 'will result in probable loss of human life,' according to state officials.

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In 2006, seven people were killed when the Ka Loko dam on Kauai collapsed, highlighting the deadly potential of dam failures.

The state regulates 132 dams across Hawaii, most built as irrigation systems for the sugar cane industry.

The state has been warning Dole Food Company, the current dam owner, about needed safety upgrades since 2009.

State engineer Carty Chang warned in 2023 that 'It's not a matter of 'if' something happens, It's a matter of 'when'.'

Over 4,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate from Waialua and Haleiwa.

“HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Honolulu Emergency Medical Service said it helped rescue dozens from floodwaters across Oahu”

Anadolu Agency

Honolulu Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Molly Pierce said the evacuation order covers more than 4,000 people, though the actual number could be higher.

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One shelter at Waialua High and Intermediate School had to be evacuated itself due to flooding.

About 185 people and 50 pets who had sought refuge there were moved to another evacuation center.

Emergency responders including firefighters and lifeguards on jet skis have been searching floodwaters for stranded people.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries, though homes have been swept away.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi indicated that dozens, if not hundreds, of homes had been damaged.

While the situation remains extremely dangerous, there are some positive developments as Dole Food Company reports that the Wahiawa Dam has not failed.

The company states the dam 'continues to operate as designed with no indications of damage,' with reservoir levels trending downward.

The spillway is functioning as intended to safely convey excess water downstream.

An emergency flash flood alert has been extended on Oahu to the north half of the island at 8 a.m., and the southern half at 10:30 a.m.

Residents like Kathleen Pahinui in Waialua expressed both fear and resignation, saying 'Just pray for us. We understand there's more rain coming.'

Officials continue to closely monitor all dams and warn that additional warnings may be needed as the weather event continues through the weekend.