Heavy rains overflow dam, force evacuations in Hawaii

"I've lived here for 30 years and I think this is the first time that I have seen so much rain," Makawao resident Lydia Toccafondi Panzik said, according to NBC News. "I've seen hurricane times. I've seen flooding. But this was really a bad one.

March 9 (UPI) -- Heavy rains brought widespread flooding to Hawaii on Tuesday, with flash flood watches issued across all islands and evacuation orders on Maui.

Maui Mayor Mike Victorino urged some residents to evacuate for fear that the overflowing Kaupakalua Dam near Haiku may break, CNN reported. Others were urged to stay home and shelter in place.

"The current weather situation has created very dangerous flooding situation throughout the county of Maui, especially in east Maui," Victorino said during a news conference.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch throughout the state until 6 a.m. Wednesday, warning of the potential for significant flooding due to the overflow of streams and drainages, property damage in low-lying areas and landslides as deep moisture was expected to continue throughout the night.
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"If the Kaupakalua Dam were to fail, a life-threatening flood wave could occur downstream of the dam," the National Weather Service said.

At least half a dozen homes were damaged by flooding, and the Maui Fire Department received more than a dozen calls for help from residents trapped in their homes. The Maui Emergency Management Agency urged residents to report any damage caused by the flooding.

Power outages were reported in the Haiku area, and schools were moved to full distance learning, KHON-TV reported.

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Paia Community Center and Hana High School were designated as emergency shelters, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

"The state is standing by to support the county of Maui as residents and visitors downstream of the Kaupakulua Dam evacuate at this hour," Gov. David Ige said in a statement. "Please stay out of the area until the danger has passed and continue to monitor local media for updates."

Peahi Bridge in Haiku was destroyed and Kaupakalua Bridge was heavily damaged, NBC News reported.

"I've lived here for 30 years and I think this is the first time that I have seen so much rain," Makawao resident Lydia Toccafondi Panzik said, according to NBC News. "I've seen hurricane times. I've seen flooding. But this was really a bad one."