Flood damage in Hawaii
Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in 20 years. The floodwaters swept away houses and cars and thousands of households were temporarily without power. Authorities expect the damage to run into the billions.
Severe flooding in Hawaii
The ground in the US state of Hawaii, already saturated by winter storms, could no longer absorb the persistent rainfall. Muddy floodwaters inundated large parts of the north coast of the island of Oahu, including the town of Waialua. More than 200 people were rescued from the floodwaters.
Is the worst over?
Pastor Glenn Duquez steps onto the mud-covered floor of the church in Haleiwa to assess the damage. Utility companies have restored power to large parts of the island now that the floodwaters have receded. Meteorologist Matthew Foster told the press that isolated flooding could still occur, but the worst of the storms appear to be over.
Dam at its limit
In Waialua, floodwaters swept a car off the road. Winter storms, known in the region as "Kona lows," caused the torrential rains of recent weeks. Experts watched the water level at the aging Wahiawa Dam, a dilapidated structure nearly 120 years old, with growing concern. According to authorities, the dam had been vulnerable for decades and was "at risk of imminent failure."
All clear, but devastating damage
The authorities have since given the all-clear: The Waialua Dam has held against the floodwaters, and the reservoir level continues to drop. Evacuation orders for thousands of households have been lifted. For residents, the long and arduous cleanup is now beginning. In many places, reddish-brown mud, car parts and debris blanket homes and properties.
Despair in the wake of devastating floods
Neighbors are comforting one another in the wake of the devastating flash floods. Residents who stayed in their homes describe rapidly rising floodwaters that poured into buildings, garages and barns. "There was so much water, I cannot even express," said a farmer who didn’t want to leave her livestock alone during the flood.
Serious consequences in a surfer's paradise
The north shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu is world-renowned for its legendary waves. According to Hawaii Governor Josh Green, the cost of the disaster could exceed one billion dollars. Among the affected areas are airports, schools, roads, residential buildings and a hospital. "This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state," Green said.