Hawaii Flooding: Recovery Underway, Flood Watch Continues; Damage Assessment Begins

Hawaii is grappling with the aftermath of its worst flooding in 20 years, triggered by a 'Kona low' storm system. The intense rainfall led to evacuations, infrastructure damage, and over 200 rescues. While some evacuation orders have been lifted on Oahu, a flood watch remains in effect for the Big Island and a flood advisory in Maui, as saturated ground continues to pose a risk of flash flooding and landslides. Governor Josh Green has stated the cost of the storm could top $1 billion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital. The Hawai'i National Guard has activated approximately 200 soldiers to support response efforts. ## Latest Update Residents on Oahu's North Shore are returning to severely damaged homes as officials assess the catastrophic destruction. Thousands remain without power, and major thoroughfares are impassable. The governor's office has received assurances of federal support from the White House. ## Timeline * **2026-03-21:** Heavy rains prompt evacuations on Maui due to concerns about the Kaupakalua Dam; Governor declares a state of emergency. * **2026-03-21:** Oahu issues evacuation orders for nearly 5,500 people due to flooding and concerns about the Wahiawa dam. * **2026-03-21:** Officials warn that the Wahiawa dam could fail, and the National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning. * **2026-03-22:** Evacuation orders are lifted for vulnerable areas on Oʻahu downstream of Wahiawā Dam, but flash flood watches remain. * **2026-03-23:** A flood watch remains in effect for most of Hawaii, with the governor estimating $1 billion in damages. * **2026-03-23:** Residents begin returning to destroyed homes on Oahu's North Shore, even as a flood watch continues for the Big Island and a flood advisory is issued for Maui. * **2026-03-24:** Severe flooding triggers road closures and leaves thousands without power as officials assess the damage. * **2026-03-24:** Recovery begins after storms unleash up to 4 feet of rain; over 200 people rescued and more than 2,000 without power. ## What to Watch * Continued risk of flash flooding and landslides due to saturated ground. * Federal support and resource allocation for recovery efforts. * Assessment of long-term infrastructure damage and repair needs.