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Hawaii storm inflicts over $1 billion in damages
Hawaii officials reported Sunday that two consecutive storms have caused at least $1 billion (£752 million) in destruction, with some areas receiving up to 50 inches (127 cm) of rain. Floodwaters turned roads into rivers and submerged parts of Oahu, though no fatalities have been confirmed.
Rescues and evacuations underway
Governor Josh Green told Hawaii News Now that more than 230 people required rescue after floodwaters trapped individuals in camps and swept debris into the ocean. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in pulling survivors from the water.
"There were camps that had to be rescued, people were trapped by the water. The Coast Guard also pulled people off of debris out in the ocean."
Governor Josh Green
Federal support and ongoing threats
Green confirmed the White House has been in contact with his office, describing federal officials as "very supportive." While some evacuation and flash flood warnings on Oahu were lifted Sunday morning, other regions remain at risk.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation reported temporary closures on Maui's Kuihelani Highway due to "fast-moving water," though the road reopened by Sunday. Rockfalls also blocked other routes on the island.
Residents warned of continued dangers
Officials cautioned that the full extent of damage is still being assessed. Green urged residents to avoid driving through deep water, noting that "major flooding" persists across the state.
Maui County is expected to receive an additional 8-10 inches of rain in the coming days. Green also advised against inter-island boating as the storm system moves through.
Critical infrastructure and personal losses
The Hawaii National Guard remains deployed at the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam after fears of overflow prompted evacuations. Water levels stabilized over the weekend, but monitoring continues.
Oahu resident Mikey described waking to floodwaters breaching his home after midnight Saturday. "The water broke down the fence and door, filling the house up to my chest," he told Hawaii News Now. "We've lost everything."
"About 12:30 I woke up and the floor was wet, and when I opened the bedroom door water came rushing in."
Mikey, Wahiawa resident
Celebrity evacuation highlights storm severity
Game of Thrones and Aquaman actor Jason Momoa said his family evacuated their North Shore home. "We're safe for now, but there's a lot of people who weren't," he posted on Instagram Stories. "The conditions on the North Shore are gnarly."
Officials called the flooding the worst since 2004, with recovery efforts expected to continue for weeks.
