A dam on the Hawaiian island of Maui is in danger of collapsing, according to the state emergency management agency on Monday.
Evacuations were ordered for everyone downstream of the Kaupakalua dam in Haiku after heavy rains led to the dam’s crest, the agency said.
“Breaking the dam will produce life-threatening floods, as well as significant property damage in downstream areas,” meteorological officials in Honolulu said in a statement.
CANCELA AGENCY HAWAII TSUNAMI WATCH AFTER HUGE PEACEFUL QUAKE
People look at a flooded street near the ruptured Kaupakalua Dam, at Haiku in Maui, Hawaii, USA, March 8, 2021, in this still image from a social media video. WWW.MONKEYSWITHDRUMS.COM via REUTERS
Maui Mayor Mike Victorino found about half a dozen homes heavily damaged or destroyed as a result of the floods, county officials said, according to Hawaii News Now.
“This is a real flood situation that we haven’t seen for a long time,” said Victorino early Monday morning. “Some of the residents have told me that this is the worst they have seen in over 25 years.”
HIKERS IN HAWAII MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR OWN RESCUE IF THE SIGNS ARE IGNORED
Evacuation shelters were being opened at the Paia Community Center and Hana High School, tweeted Governor David Ige. Authorities estimate that about 7,000 people live in the area.
“Heavy rains continue to pose a potential threat to the dam, and the state and county are working together to monitor the situation,” wrote Ige. “Please continue to stay out of the area until the danger passes.”
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The agency said more information will be provided as it becomes available.