"Three Months' Worth of Rain at Once"... Worst Downpour in 20 Years Forces Evacuations in Hawaii

Oahu Island Faces Largest Flood in 20 Years
Aging 120-Year-Old Dam at Risk of Collapse

Heavy rainfall struck Oahu, Hawaii, USA, resulting in the island's largest flood in 20 years. Additionally, with an aging dam on the verge of collapse, authorities issued an emergency evacuation order for more than 5,500 residents along the northern coast.

On the 20th (local time), houses in Waialua, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, are flooded. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to U.S. media outlets such as AP and CNN on the 20th (local time), rainfall equivalent to two to three months' worth of precipitation fell on Oahu from the previous night through the early morning. Due to this torrential downpour, the northern coast of Oahu, a world-renowned surfing destination, suffered extensive damage as roads, vehicles, and houses were repeatedly flooded or washed away by storms and rapidly rising waters. Some low-lying areas became so inundated that they were nearly inaccessible.

The Oahu Emergency Management Agency announced that morning, "The Wahiawa Dam could collapse or breach at any moment," instructing local residents to evacuate immediately. The evacuation order reportedly affected approximately 5,500 people. The Wahiawa Dam, located in the center of the island, was constructed in 1906 and rebuilt after a collapse in 1921. Since then, ongoing safety concerns have led the state government of Hawaii to issue four corrective orders since 2009, and five years ago, a $20,000 fine was imposed for poor management.

The scene of Wailua, Hawaii, where roads have disappeared due to flooding. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The water level at the dam rose from 24 meters to 26 meters within 24 hours, approaching the maximum allowable limit. Although water levels have since receded somewhat, the threat remains as additional heavy rain is forecast for Oahu through the weekend, leaving no room for complacency. If the Wahiawa Dam collapses, significant damage is anticipated.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said at a press conference, "This flood is the largest to occur in Hawaii in the past 20 years," adding, "The scale of the damage could exceed 1 billion dollars (approximately 1.5 trillion won)." Hawaii had already suffered reduced drainage capacity due to rain the previous week, which contributed to even greater damage with the latest downpour.

As of now, no fatalities have been reported, but at least 230 people have been rescued, and search operations using helicopters and boats are ongoing. Among those rescued, more than 70 children and adults who were participating in a spring break youth camp had been stranded but were airlifted to safety. Of those rescued, about 10 people showing symptoms of hypothermia were transported to the hospital. Authorities have issued flood advisories across the state and are urging residents to take special precautions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.