There is a danger of a 120-year-old dam failing.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that, despite the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, federal officials are assisting with the flooding occuring in Hawaii after heavy rains last week. Authorities have reported the worst flooding in 20 years.
“FEMA remains fully prepared to provide support as needed,” an agency spokesperson stated. “While the shutdown impacts some routine operations, immediate response needs are not affected.”
“State and local officials are leading response operations on the ground in Hawaii, and efforts are proceeding without delay,” the FEMA representative said. “Currently, FEMA has 53 staff deployed to monitor and support flooding operations, with no personnel being held back.”
Governor Josh Green has activated the state’s National Guard. He said, “This is a major threat to our people and to our state.“
“The scale of damage we are seeing – from washed-out highways to overwhelmed water systems – makes clear that federal partnership is essential,” Governor Green stated on Tuesday, requesting a disaster declaration from President Donald Trump. “We are doing everything we can at the state and county level, but this is exactly the type of event where FEMA support is critical.”
Residents along the north shore of Oahu had been advised to evacuate and Honolulu issued an emergency message to residents to evacuate the region downstream from the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam, which is close to failing. Officials said that a dam failure could cause “life-threatening flooding and catastrophic amounts of fast-moving water.” A Honolulu Department of Emergency Management spokesperson said, “The water is actively running over the spillway right now,” and that a dam failure could impact 4,000 or more residents.
The National Weather Service stated that, despite the decrease in rainfall, the runoff is producing high water levels and causing dangerous flooding.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Markwayne Mullin as he adapts to his new role as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
- For Acting Administrator Karen Evans as she oversees FEMA and coordinates the federal emergency response.
- For Governor Green and state officials as they work with FEMA officials on the disaster response.
Sources: USA Today, Center Square, MSN,
