
Hawaii Storms Cause Over $1 Billion in Damage, Jason Momoa Evacuated
Hawaii is grappling with the aftermath of devastating storms that have already resulted in over $1 billion in damages, according to officials. Consecutive storms unleashed up to 50 inches (127cm) of rainfall on parts of the state, submerging sections of Oahu in murky brown floodwaters. The situation has prompted widespread evacuations, including that of actor Jason Momoa, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Aquaman.
Rescue Efforts and Impact on Residents
More than 230 people have been rescued, as reported by Governor Josh Green to Hawaii News Now on Sunday. Thankfully, no fatalities have been recorded to date. Governor Green detailed the challenging rescue operations, stating, “There were camps that had to be rescued, people were trapped by the water.” He also highlighted the Coast Guard’s efforts in rescuing individuals from debris in the ocean. The White House has expressed strong support and remains in close contact with the governor’s office.
Officials have described the flooding as the worst since 2004. While some evacuation and flash flood warnings on Oahu were lifted Sunday morning, other areas of the state remain under threat. The Kuihelani Highway on Maui experienced a temporary closure due to fast-moving water, but has since reopened. Rockfalls were also reported on other roadways on Maui.
Ongoing Threats and Recovery Concerns
Governor Green cautioned residents to remain vigilant, emphasizing the continued presence of major flooding. “There’s still major flooding all over the place, do not drive through deep water,” he warned. Maui County is bracing for an additional 8 to 10 inches of rain in the coming days, and residents are advised against boating between islands.
The Hawaii National Guard is closely monitoring the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam, after initial fears of a potential spillover prompted nearby evacuations. Water levels at the dam have since stabilized.
Personal Stories of Loss and Evacuation
Mikey, a resident of Wahiawa, shared a harrowing account with Hawaii News Now, describing how floodwaters inundated his home after midnight on Saturday. “About 12:30 I woke up and the floor was wet…water came rushing in,” he recounted, adding that the water reached chest level and resulted in the loss of all their possessions.
Jason Momoa’s Experience
Jason Momoa took to Instagram Stories, as reported by Variety, to share that his family was forced to evacuate their home on Oahu’s North Shore. He expressed relief that they were safe but acknowledged the plight of others, stating, “We’re safe for now but there’s a lot of people who weren’t, so sending all of our love.” He described the conditions on the North Shore as “gnarly.”
Other News Briefly
Elsewhere, travelers are facing disruptions due to airport delays linked to the partial government shutdown and its impact on TSA agents. Tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East following recent strikes. The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of TV anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains ongoing. Cuba is also facing widespread power outages after another collapse of its national electrical grid.
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