Over 5,500 told to evacuate flooding in Hawaii as officials warn that dam could fail - NPR

NPR
March 20, 2026
3 min read

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Hawaii officials ordered over 4,000 residents to evacuate due to flooding and a 120-year-old dam at risk of failing.

AI Summary

Authorities in Hawaii have ordered more than 4,000 residents to evacuate due to flooding and concerns that a 120-year-old dam could fail. The evacuation was prompted by officials' assessment that the aging dam structure poses an imminent risk during severe weather conditions. A dam failure would release a massive volume of water downstream, threatening homes and lives in affected communities. The evacuation order reflects the precarious condition of infrastructure built in the early 1900s that may not withstand current flooding events. Residents are being moved to safety while officials assess the structural integrity of the dam and monitor weather conditions.

What's Being Done

Authorities have issued evacuation orders and are assessing the structural integrity of the dam while monitoring weather conditions.

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