An urgent evacuation order has been issued for residents as a century-old dam in Hawaii faces an imminent risk of collapsing. Honolulu officials have instructed over 4,000 individuals in communities north of the Hawaiian capital to evacuate immediately due to concerns surrounding the Wahiawa Dam’s structural integrity. The evacuation order, labeled as “LEAVE NOW,” was issued at 5:35 am local time on Friday for residents living downstream of the dam in areas like Waialua and Haleiwa, cautioning them about the potential for severe flooding and the heightened state of the dam.
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii announced that the Hawaii National Guard has been mobilized to address the flooding situation, particularly severe in the northern part of Oahu, where water levels have risen to chest height. The Governor described the current conditions as precarious and unpredictable.
A significant portion of the state is under a flood watch, with northern Oahu specifically under a flash flood warning, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. The service has highlighted the risk of widespread and life-threatening flash flooding, with particular emphasis on areas like Haleiwa and Waialua.
In response to the flooding, one shelter at Waialua High and Intermediate School is being evacuated due to rising water levels. According to Ian Scheuring, a Honolulu spokesperson, approximately 185 individuals and 50 pets who sought refuge at the shelter are being relocated to another evacuation center.
As Waialua resident Kathleen Pahinui prepares to move to a higher elevation at a friend’s residence, she expressed her ongoing concern regarding the aging dam, emphasizing the need for prayers and support during this challenging time. Meanwhile, Molly Pierce, a spokesperson for the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, mentioned that the evacuation order affects over 4,000 individuals, although the actual number could be higher.
Last week, officials had already issued a cautionary notice regarding the dam during heavy rainfall; however, the water levels diminished as the rain subsided. Currently, water is actively spilling over the dam’s spillway, indicating a critical situation.
Hawaii maintains regulatory oversight of 132 dams throughout the state, with many constructed as part of historical sugar cane irrigation systems, as outlined in a 2019 infrastructure report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The report also referenced a tragic incident in 2006 when the Ka Loko dam on Kauai collapsed, resulting in the loss of seven lives.