Hawaii Floods: Billion-Dollar Damage, Dam at Risk

0:00On March 21st, Hawaii is reeling from its worst flooding in more than 20 years, mainly hitting a Wahoo's North Shore. Heavy rains pour down on already silk ground from a storm last week, forcing officials to evacuate 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Homes and cars got swept away by muddy waters, and authorities issued urgent warnings about a 120-year-old dam that could fail. Damage estimates are climbing fast, with Governor Josh Green saying costs could exceed 1 billion dollars. That includes harm to airports, schools, roads, homes, and even a hospital on Maui. Parts of a Wahoo saw 8-12 inches of rain overnight, and the island's highest peak got nearly 16 inches in a day. Residents and leaders are on edge, with flash flood warnings still active in places like Halewa and Waialua. Rescue teams airlifted 72 kids and adults from a youth camp on high ground, while searches continue for others stranded by the floods. Those blame the Dell use on back-to-back winter storms, bringing in loads of moisture.

1:03The spotlight is on the aging Wahoo wa dam, which rose close to its limit before level started dropping late Friday. Built over a century ago for sugar plantations, it's labeled high hazard, and more rain could push it over the edge. Stay crews are monitoring it closely, with plans underway to take ownership soon. Federal support is on the way after talks with the White House, and forecasters predict another 6-8 inches over the next few days. Everyone from locals to emergency responders is bracing for whatever comes next.