Kona low storms devastate Hawaii, triggering largest flood in 20 years and relief efforts
Image: TIME

Kona low storms devastate Hawaii, triggering largest flood in 20 years and relief efforts

23 March, 2026.Technology and Science.8 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Kona low floods trigger Hawaii's worst floods in over two decades, evacuations underway.
  • Thousands displaced, power outages and infrastructure disruptions reported across the islands.
  • Red Cross volunteers deployed; donation drives and relief outreach organized.

Historic Flooding Event

This is believed to be the state's worst flooding in more than 20 years.

Image from Hawaii News Now
Hawaii News NowHawaii News Now

The storms brought torrential rainfall that devastated communities across the Aloha State.

Oahu and the capital city Honolulu were hit the hardest.

The flooding represents a major natural disaster that has upended lives and destroyed neighborhoods.

Evacuation and Rescue Scale

The storms forced approximately 5,500 people to evacuate their homes.

Emergency crews conducted more than 230 rescues over the weekend.

Image from Hawai‘i Public Radio
Hawai‘i Public RadioHawai‘i Public Radio

These rescues saved people trapped by rising floodwaters.

No deaths have been reported as of the latest assessments.

Officials continue to monitor the situation as rain continued to fall.

Infrastructure Damage

Several schools and at least one hospital were also affected.

The flooding severely impacted infrastructure.

Roads were washed away and airports were damaged.

Businesses and other facilities were affected.

A section of the Big Island remained under a flash flood warning.

Red Cross Response

The American Red Cross has deployed more than 100 disaster workers.

They are operating 18 emergency shelters across affected areas.

Image from KTNV 13 Action News
KTNV 13 Action NewsKTNV 13 Action News

These shelters provide food, warm places to sleep, and emotional support.

Red Cross Executive Director Rachel Flanigan described the impact as profound.

She emphasized commitment to providing care and resources for recovery.

Community Relief Efforts

The Lāhui Foundation is coordinating distribution of donated items.

Image from Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas Review-JournalLas Vegas Review-Journal

They are organizing volunteer opportunities including wellness checks.

Supply distribution, debris cleanup, and transportation support are needed.

The Salvation Army is providing meals and essential supplies.

They are also offering spiritual care to those impacted.

Ongoing Response

The disaster response continues to evolve.

Additional shelter locations and relief supplies are being evaluated.

Red Cross volunteers from outside the region have deployed.

One volunteer is from the Southern Nevada Chapter.

They are assisting with disaster assessment and supply distribution.

Residents can volunteer or make financial donations to support recovery.

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