Oahu Faces Worst Flooding In 20 Years

OAHU, HI -More than 5,500 people have been evacuated as the Hawaiian island of Oahu suffered its worst flooding in over 20 years, authorities said.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green noted that conditions remain dangerous because the ground is already saturated, meaning it will take much less rain to trigger flooding, road closures and damage.

He told the media on March 20 that the cost of the storm could top $1 billion in estimated damages to private and public property..

While confirming that more than 230 people have been rescued during the storm, officials cautioned that a 120-year-old dam could fail.

Authorities told residents to leave the area downstream of the Wahiawa dam, a 120-year-old dam on Oahu, warning it was “at risk of imminent failure.”

More than 200 National Guard members have been activated during the storm to assist with rescues, road closures, door-to-door checks and other public safety needs, according to Green. (IANS)