Oahu residents are facing a gruelling cleanup after the worst flooding to hit Hawaii in two decades swept homes off their foundations and left a thick layer of red volcanic mud covering floors, walls and counters. Authorities reported hundreds of homes damaged, along with schools and a hospital. Losses are expected to exceed $1bn, according to Governor Josh Green.
On Monday, new downpours triggered fresh flooding on Oahu's south side while the North Shore continued cleanup efforts. The National Weather Service warned of lingering showers and thunderstorms, with the Big Island under a flash flood watch. Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches of rain, adding to previous heavy downpours.
Residents like Michael McEwan and Heather Nakahara returned to their Waialua home to find kitchen counters covered in red silt and furniture piled up. The couple was trapped in a bedroom closet for eight hours with their pets until firefighters rescued them using a rope. McEwan noted the volcanic mud, rich in iron, stains everything brownish-yellow.
Farms across the state reported over $9.4m in damage, with Oahu farmers alone losing more than $2.7m in crops. Few farmers have insurance. Governor Green described the storm as the most serious since 2004 and urged donations to the Hawaii Community Foundation's Stronger Hawaii Fund. The Hawaiian Council also launched the Kako'o Oahu initiative for housing and other needs.
Officials blamed the devastation on intense rainfall from winter storm systems known as 'Kona lows', which bring moisture-laden air. Experts say human-caused global warming has increased the intensity and frequency of heavy rains in Hawaii.
