Honolulu (Hawaii, USA), Mar. 21 (LaPresse) – Hawaii is facing its worst floods in over 20 years: on the island of Oahu, more than 230 people have been rescued after torrential rains fell on land already saturated by a previous winter system. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of about 5,500 residents north of Honolulu, while a warning remains in effect for the possible failure of a century-old dam. Muddy waters have submerged large areas of the North Shore, sweeping away homes and vehicles. Governor Josh Green estimated potential damages exceeding 1 billion dollars, affecting infrastructure, schools, roads, homes, and even a hospital in Maui. Washington has assured federal support. No casualties or missing persons have been reported, but about ten people were hospitalized for hypothermia. Rescue operations, conducted by air and water, were partially hindered by private drones in flight. Rainfall reached up to 30 cm in a single night, with peaks of 40 cm in higher areas. Further rains, up to 20 cm over the next few days, could worsen the situation. Most of the state remains under flood alert. Special attention is on the Wahiawa Dam, built in 1906 and considered high-risk: the water level approached the critical threshold, raising fears of a breach with potentially serious consequences for the downstream population. Authorities are continuously monitoring the facility.
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