Oahu hit with worst flooding in 20 years

Severe flooding across Hawai‘i has forced thousands from their homes, as relentless rainfall batters communities and raises fears over the possible failure of a 120-year-old dam.

The crisis is centred on the island of Oʻahu, where muddy floodwaters have inundated roads, destroyed homes and swept away vehicles in what officials are calling the worst flooding the island has seen in more than 20 years. The Pacific are no strangers to the effects of Climate Change, and we are unfortunately the first to feel the devastating impacts. 

More than 230 people have been rescued so far, with evacuation orders affecting around 5,500 residents, particularly across North Shore communities like Haleʻiwa and Waialua.

Emergency sirens sounded as authorities issued urgent warnings for those living downstream of the Wahiawā Dam, which has been flagged as being at risk of imminent failure. Water levels rose rapidly during the storm, coming dangerously close to capacity. While levels have since fluctuated, officials warn the situation could quickly worsen if heavy rain continues.

Despite the scale of the disaster, no deaths have been reported. However, at least 10 people have been hospitalised with hypothermia, and officials say dozens, if not hundreds, of homes have been damaged. The full extent of destruction is still being assessed, with early estimates suggesting costs could exceed $1 billion.

The flooding follows days of intense rainfall, with parts of Oʻahu receiving up to 30 centimetres in less than 24 hours. Weather experts attribute the deluge to “Kona low” storm systems, which bring moisture-heavy winds and prolonged downpours. With the ground already saturated from previous storms, conditions quickly escalated.

Rescue efforts have been ongoing by air and water, including the evacuation of dozens of children and adults from a youth camp that became cut off by rising waters. Shelters have also been impacted, with some evacuation centres themselves forced to relocate due to flooding.

On Maui, authorities have also issued warnings in parts of Lahaina, where retention basins are nearing capacity. The area is still recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires, adding further strain to already vulnerable communities.

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 Photos by Mengshin Lin/@apnews and @dontgabalot