Hawaii declares a state of emergency as heavy rainfall causes flooding, landslides and fears of dam failures while at least one person is missing after they were swept downstream in a flash flood
- Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the Aloha State Tuesday as the floods caused 'extensive damage' to both public and private properties
- Thousands residents were told to evacuate due to the threat of rising waters including 4,000 in Haleiwa
- Severe weather conditions are expected to continue through Friday with the National Weather Service extending a flash flood watch for 22 counties up until 6 pm on March 12
- Flash flood warnings were downgraded to flood advisories across many areas Wednesday as rains weakened
- Fears are growing for the welfare of one person who was swept away in the Waiawa Stream in Pearl City on Oahu's north shore, Tuesday
- A 27-year-old man was rescued after his truck was swept away down Waikele Stream in Pearl City
- The flooding has left roads impassable, two bridges destroyed and at least six homes in ruins in MauiHawaii has declared a state of emergency as heavy rainfall has caused flooding, landslides and fears of dam failures while at least one person is missing after being swept downstream in the flash floods.
Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the Aloha State Tuesday as the floods caused 'extensive damage' to both public and private properties, several thousand residents were told to evacuate due to the threat of rising waters and tourists were warned to stay inside.
'The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather,' Ige said Tuesday.The declaration covers the counties of Hawai'i, Maui, Kalawao, O'ahu and Kaua'i, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8.
A house on Haleiwa Road is surrounded by floodwaters in Haleiwa as Hawaii declared a state of emergency
A mudslide leaves Kamehameha Highway coated near Pokole Point close to Kahaluu as heavy rainfall caused flooding, landslides and fears of dam failures across the Aloha State
Footage shows raging floodwater pouring over a road in Maui. Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the Aloha State Tuesday as the floods caused 'extensive damage' to both public and private propertiesSevere weather conditions are expected to continue through Friday with the National Weather Service extending a flash flood watch for 22 counties up until 6 pm on March 12.
Flash flood warnings were downgraded to flood advisories in most areas Wednesday morning as rains over the Puna and Kau districts weakened.
Fears are growing for the welfare of one person who was swept away in the raging waters of the Waiawa Stream in Pearl City on Oahu's north shore, Tuesday. Honolulu Fire Department crews resumed the search for the person early Wednesday by both foot and air after they had been forced to call it off due to darkness the night before.
A witness told KITV they 'saw the person go down the wash and not come back up the other side, so figured they grabbed the branch,' but when they didn't resurface they dialed 911.
Another person - a 27-year-old man - managed to escape unscathed after his truck was swept away down Waikele Stream in Pearl City.
The man managed to clamber on top of the roof and he was airlifted to safety by rescue crews.
At least one person is missing after being swept downstream in the flash floods with the search resuming Wednesday. Pictured a street in Hauula
The declaration covers the counties of Hawai'i, Maui, Kalawao, O'ahu and Kaua'i, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8
A flooded road is seen in Hauula on Oahu, Hawaii. Severe weather conditions are expected to continue through Friday
People survey the waters along the Haleiwa Road. The National Weather Service extended a flash flood watch for 22 counties up until 6 pm on March 12Another Maui resident told KGMB reported he was forced to wade through water up to his chest as it rose so rapidly in his home in Haiku.
Mark Alexander said the family's dog Legend was swept away but managed to climb onto the roof to safety.
No other immediate injuries or casualties have been reported but the flooding has already left considerable damage in its wake with roads impassable, two bridges destroyed and at least six homes in ruins on the island of Maui.
The Peahi Bridge on Peahi Road was completely washed out and the Kaupakalua Bridge on Kaupakalua Road was displaced, officials said
Over in the northern region of Haiku, the Kaupakalua dam in the northern region of Haiku in Maui overflowed Tuesday - just months before it was due to be removed later this year because of its 'unsatisfactory' condition.
Shan Tsutsui, the chief operating officer of Mahi Pono, co-owner of the dam, said water over-topped the reservoir but that it hadn't failed altogether.
'At this time, the over-topping of the dam has ceased. However, our crews are actively monitoring the situation and will continue monitoring the water levels until it returns to a safe level,' Tsutsui said in a statement.
Flash flood warnings were downgraded to flood advisories in most areas Wednesday morning as rains over the Puna and Kau districts weakened
A surfer paddles along the floodwater on Oahu Island. Fears are growing for the welfare of one person who was swept away in the raging waters of the Waiawa Stream in Pearl City on Oahu's north shore, Tuesday
Another person - a 27-year-old man - managed to escape unscathed after his truck was swept away down Waikele Stream in Pearl City. Pictured floodwaters stream down a street in Hauula
Around 4,000 residents were evacuated from the small community of Haleiwa Tuesday, just north of the capital Honolulu
'If you have family and friends and you can get out of the area, that is probably preferable. But be careful if you see high water, turn around and go back. Do not try to cross it at this time.'
Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino's office said Monday in a Facebook video the extreme weather was unlike anything the area has seen 'in a long time.'
'Ladies and gentlemen, this is a real flooding situation we have not seen in a long time. In fact, some of the residents have told me that this is the worst they've seen in over 25 years,' he said.
Around 4,000 residents were also evacuated from the small community of Haleiwa Tuesday, just north of the capital Honolulu as Mayor Rick Blangiardi warned the flooding was 'life-threatening' and the National Weather Service called it 'particularly dangerous.'
Aerial footage posted by Hans Schippers via Storyful shows homes across the town submerged in flood water with residents directed to safety at evacuation points at Wahaiwa District Park and Wailauha High, while the stream rose from four to 16 feet in a matter of hours.
The evacuation order was lifted around 11.30 pm Tuesday - around seven hours after it was issued - as the threat decreased but any residents returning to their homes were urged to do so with caution.
Residents survey the flooded road in a street in Hauula, Hawaii, after the heavy rainfall caused flooding
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