Following heavy rain on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, causing damage such as flooding and landslides, a flood warning was also issued on the islands of Maui and Oahu. According to Hawaii state authorities on the 14th, Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency to respond to and provide support for heavy rain damage that occurred on the island of Kauai on the 11th and 12th and will conduct emergency relief activities until the 22nd.
Governor Greene said, “The severe weather on Kauai has caused damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure,” and added, “We will quickly provide assistance to residents affected by flooding and landslides.” According to the National Weather Service (NWS), up to 254 mm of rain fell on Kauai overnight. Derek Bro, a meteorologist at the NWS Honolulu office, told the Associated Press that the daily rainfall recorded at Lihue Airport, the island’s official observation point, was 93 mm, breaking the record set in 1996.
According to the County of Kauai, major roads, including the Kuhio Highway at the Wailua Bridge, were flooded, and closed. A pothole occurred and a utility pole fell near Haleco Road, and a small landslide occurred on Wawae Road. Several beach car parks were completely flooded and closed, while a local wastewater treatment plant overflowed and caused a wastewater spill. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. The AP reported that Kauai’s unique mountainous terrain causes frequent rain, so residents are somewhat prepared for heavy rain.
The NWS forecast that heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue in most parts of Hawaii until the 15th and issued a flood warning for Maui and Oahu. The NWS warned, “A low pressure and surface pressure trough developing over northwest Hawaii will move east, producing heavy rain and thunderstorms over the western islands.” Hawaii is famous for its mild climate, but natural disasters due to abnormal climate have become more frequent in recent years.
Last August, a massive forest fire broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui due to severe drought and a hurricane, killing 101 people.