Evacuations ordered as heavy rains cause flooding and dam breach in Maui, Hawaii
Emergency evacuations have been ordered for residents in the Haiku area in Maui, Hawaii, after heavy rainfall has caused a breach on the Kaupakalua Dam on Monday afternoon, March 8, 2021. Authorities also warned people that flooding in the area is "life-threatening".
Heavy rainfall in Maui has resulted in flooding and dam breach, leaving many residents trapped in their homes. The Maui Fire Department said it received more than a dozen calls for assistance.
Mayor Michael Victorino surveyed the flooding and reported that Kaupakalua Road was impassable in some areas. At least six homes were heavily damaged or destroyed.
After a breach was confirmed on the Kaupakalua Dam on Monday afternoon, Victorino urged people to evacuate from the Haiku area.
"For the safety of evacuees and emergency personnel, I urge everyone to stay away from the Haiku area," said the mayor. "MPD and Maui Fire and Rescue personnel are assisting those needing help."
"Please stay home, off the road, and away from streams, rivers, culverts, and drainage ditches even if they are currently dry."
"Visitors and residents should understand this is life-threatening flooding," he noted.
EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY: This is what a portion of Hana Highway looks like now near Haiku, Maui. Senator J Kalani English is warning the Kaupakalua Dam could break at any time and thousands are in the impact zone.
Vid Credit: Carlos Rosaga pic.twitter.com/bZ6UHsuwjx— Eddie Dowd (@EddieDowdTV) March 9, 2021
#NEW: Video shows Kaupakalua Road in Haiku completely flooded. @CountyofMaui is asking people to stay away from the life-threatening, flash flooding conditions. Flash Flood Warning up for parts of Maui until 8:45 p.m. (Video: Carlos Garcia) pic.twitter.com/MKjgn4tdS5
— Jennifer Wong (@jennmwong) March 9, 2021
Evacuations are ordered for residents living downstream from Kaupakalua Dam. pic.twitter.com/VSkKsZzmoq
— KITV4 (@KITV4) March 9, 2021
In a statement, Hawaii Governor David Ige remarked that the state is assisting Maui County as people evacuate.
"The health and safety of our residents and visitors in Haiku and surrounding areas remain our top priority as heavy rain is posing a potential threat to the dam."
"Please stay out of the area until the danger has passed and continue to monitor local media for updates."
Ige added that the state and county authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Featured image credit: Maggie T. Sutrov
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.