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Oahu Dam Failure Fears Spark Mass Evacuation
20 Mar
Summary
- Thousands evacuated due to fears of a 120-year-old dam failing.
- National Guard activated as severe rains cause widespread flooding.
- Emergency sirens blared along Oahu's famed North Shore.
Emergency teams, including the Hawaii National Guard, have been deployed to Oahu as severe flooding triggered evacuation orders for over 4,000 residents. Officials issued a dire warning regarding the possible failure of the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam, urging those downstream to leave immediately. "Extremely dangerous flooding and Wahiawa Dam is high," was the emergency message conveyed as sirens blared along the North Shore.
This critical situation developed after a recent storm caused catastrophic flooding across the state, washing away roads and homes. With more rain forecast, officials are closely monitoring dam levels. The National Weather Service reported widespread, life-threatening flash flooding, particularly in the towns of Haleiwa and Waialua. One evacuation shelter at Waialua High and Intermediate School was itself flooded and is being relocated.
Officials have been concerned about the aging dam, which has been a point of worry during heavy rains previously. The dam's spillway is currently active with water running over it. A similar dam collapse in 2006 on Kauai resulted in seven fatalities, underscoring the severe risks associated with dam failures.
