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Thousands ordered to evacuate as Hawaii hit by severe flash floods
Officials warn some residents could be trapped by rising waters as Wahiawā dam on Oahu ‘may collapse at any time’
TL;DR
- Towering flash floods and potential dam failure prompted evacuation warnings and orders on Oahu, Hawaii.
- The Wahiawā dam is pouring water over its spillway at a high rate, with warnings that it could collapse at any time.
- Residents in areas downstream of the dam, including Waialua and Haleiwa, were issued "LEAVE NOW" evacuation orders.
- Inundated roads have trapped many residents, and emergency services are facing difficulties in reaching them.
- A shelter at Waialua High School was evacuated due to flooding, and its power was lost.
- The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to respond to the severe flooding.
- This follows a severe storm last week that caused catastrophic flooding across the state.
- The Honolulu emergency department advised trapped individuals to go to the highest level and stay out of attics without roof access.