Oahu — where significant numbers of Tongans live — was among the areas placed under urgent evacuation warnings as floodwaters swept through towns and pushed a century‑old dam to the brink of failure.
Hawaii is enduring its worst flooding in more than two decades after back‑to‑back Kona storms unleashed torrential rains across multiple islands.
Authorities ordered thousands to flee as rising waters submerged homes, washed out roads and stranded residents in several communities.
The North Shore of Oahu, home to a large Pacific Islander population including many Tongans, was one of the hardest‑hit regions.
Officials warned that the 120‑year‑old Wahiawa Dam was “at imminent risk of failure,” triggering sirens and urgent orders for families downstream to leave immediately.
Governor Josh Green said more than 5,500 people were under evacuation orders as floodwaters lifted cars, damaged homes and blocked all exit routes from several towns.
He confirmed that no deaths had been reported, though several people were treated for hypothermia.
More than 230 residents have been rescued so far, including 72 children and adults airlifted from a spring‑break camp on Oahu’s west coast.
Muddy floodwaters pushed some homes off their foundations and left neighbourhoods buried under debris. A collapsed building was swept into a bridge as water surged through the North Shore.
Much of the destruction was caused by rainfall rates of two to four inches per hour, overwhelming already saturated ground.
Some areas recorded more than a foot of rain in 24 hours, cutting power and stranding motorists on major roads.
Airports, schools, hospitals and homes across Maui, Oahu and other islands have reported significant damage.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi described the damage as “catastrophic,” noting that full assessments could take days.
Governor Green said the flooding could result in more than US$1 billion in statewide damage.
Shelters have opened across the islands as displaced families seek refuge from rising waters.
Officials say unstable weather will continue through the weekend, keeping flash‑flood warnings in place for most of Hawaii.
Residents are being urged to stay on high ground, avoid flooded areas and follow all emergency instructions.
