Hawaii reels from two ferocious storms that have inflicted around $1 billion in damage, state officials report.
The back-to-back systems unleashed more than 50 inches of rain across vulnerable areas, sparking floods that submerged parts of Oahu and other islands in murky brown waters. This marks the worst inundation since 2004, with meteorologists attributing the extremes to a stalled weather front intensified by shifting climate patterns, according to NOAA.
Rescue teams pulled over 230 people from peril, and no fatalities have surfaced. Governor Josh Green described the urgency to Hawaii News Now on Sunday. “There were camps that had to be rescued, people were trapped by the water,” he said.
“The coast guard also pulled people off of debris out in the ocean.” He highlighted steady communication with the White House, deeming officials there “very supportive,” and noted early FEMA pledges of £150 million for repairs.
By Sunday morning local time, some Oahu flood warnings lifted, but dangers persisted statewide. Fast-moving water briefly shut a stretch of Maui’s Kuihelani Highway overnight before it reopened, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on X. Rockfalls hampered other routes Saturday.
With damage assessments ongoing, Green urged caution amid lingering hazards. “There’s still major flooding all over the place, do not drive through deep water,” he warned. Maui braces for another 8 to 10 inches of rain soon, and inter-island boating remains prohibited.
National Guard troops watch the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam on Oahu after near-overflow fears forced evacuations as levels have now stabilised.
Wahiawa local Mikey recounted his midnight ordeal to Hawaii News Now. “About 12:30 I woke up and the floor was wet, and when I opened the bedroom door water came rushing in,” he said.
Aquaman star Jason Momoa fled his North Shore Oahu home. “We’re safe for now but there’s a lot of people who weren’t, so sending all of our love,” he posted on Instagram Stories, Variety reported. “The conditions on the North Shore are gnarly.”
Agriculture faces £200 million hits, while tourism stumbles from cancellations, per Reuters. Community and Red Cross drives gear up for prolonged recovery.