According to the state emergency management agency, a dam on the Hawaiian island of Maui was in danger of failing.
Evacuation was ordered for everyone downstream of Kaupakalua Dam in Haiku after heavy rains led to the dam wall, the agency said.
“Failure of the dam will result in life-threatening flooding as well as significant property damage in areas downstream,” Honolulu weather officials said in a statement.
AGENCY CHANCELLOR HAWAII TSUNAMI WATCH AFTER GREAT PACIFIC Tremor
People are looking at a flooded street near the breakaway Kaupakalua Dam in Haiku on Maui, Hawaii, USA March 8, 2021, in this still image from a video on social media. WWW.MONKEYSWITHDRUMS.COM via REUTERS
Maui Mayor Mike Victorino has found about half a dozen homes badly damaged or destroyed by the flood, according to Hawaii News Now.
“This is a real flood situation that we have not seen for a long time,” Victorino said earlier Monday. “Some residents have told me it’s the worst they’ve seen in more than 25 years.”
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Evacuation shelters are opening in the Paia Community Center and Hana High School, tweeted governor David Ige. Officials estimate that there are about 7,000 people living in the area.
“Heavy rains still pose a potential threat to the dam, and the state and country are working together to monitor the situation,” Ige wrote. “Please continue to stay out of the area until the danger is over.”
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The agency said more information would be provided as it became available.