Hawaii flooding calls for evacuation of over 200 people
Over 200 people were airlifted from the Hawaiian island of Kauai between 16 and 17 April after heavy rains caused flooding throughout the island.
Over 200 people were airlifted from the Hawaiian island of Kauai between 16 and 17 April after heavy rains caused flooding throughout the island.
In a co-ordinated effort, the US Army, National Guard and county were able to airlift 220 on 16 April, while operations continued on 17 April. A US Army Chinook, a Hawaii Air National Guard Black Hawk and two Kauai County Fire Department helicopters took turns to rescue those who had become stranded, including 25 hikers who were in a state park in Kauai. Over 32.35 inches of rain fell on the island over 24 hours, starting at around 02:00 hrs on 14 April. The rain caused mudslides and flooding, cutting off roads, including on the island’s North Shore. Residents and tourists were forced to evacuation centres.
Many are calling the storm the worst in living memory, and supplies are still being delivered to the island for those that have remained. Clean up work has already begun, with roads being cleared and fallen utility poles repaired. It has been reported that two unoccupied houses were washed away by the flooding, but there have not yet been reports of any casualties.