An emergency evacuation order has been issued due to the imminent risk of a 120-year-old dam collapsing in Hawaii. Honolulu authorities have instructed over 4,000 residents in northern towns of the Hawaiian capital to evacuate immediately as the Wahiawa Dam is on the verge of failure. The evacuation order, labeled “LEAVE NOW,” was declared at 5:35 am local time on Friday for individuals residing downstream of the dam, including Waialua and Haleiwa, with warnings of potential severe flooding and the high risk posed by the dam. Residents were advised to relocate to higher ground promptly and avoid flooded roadways. Additionally, officials highlighted the likelihood of heavy traffic congestion and suggested carpooling as a viable option.
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii announced the activation of the Hawaii National Guard to address the flooding situation, emphasizing the severity of the storm particularly in the northern region of Oahu where floodwaters have reached chest-high levels. A flood watch was in effect for most parts of the state, with northern Oahu under a flash flood warning, as reported by the National Weather Service in Honolulu citing widespread life-threatening flash flooding, notably in Haleiwa and Waialua.
Amid the escalating situation, one shelter at Waialua High and Intermediate School is being evacuated due to flooding concerns. Approximately 185 individuals and 50 pets who sought refuge at the shelter are being relocated to another evacuation center, according to Ian Scheuring, a Honolulu spokesperson. Concerned about the aging dam, Waialua resident Kathleen Pahinui expressed apprehension, emphasizing the recurring worry whenever it rains and urging for support during the challenging times ahead.
Molly Pierce, representing the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, disclosed that the evacuation order applies to over 4,000 people, although the actual count may be higher. Officials had previously issued a cautionary alert for the dam during heavy rainfall last week, but the water levels decreased as the rain subsided. Currently, the water is visibly overflowing the spillway, indicating the critical situation.
Hawaii oversees 132 dams statewide, many of which were constructed as part of irrigation systems for the sugar cane industry as per a 2019 infrastructure report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The tragic incident in 2006, where seven individuals lost their lives due to the collapse of the Ka Loko dam on Kauai island, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with dam failures.