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Hawaii storms have caused $1bn in damage, governor says

8 articles
5 sources
0% diversity
Updated 22.3.2026
Key Topics & People
Hawaii *Oahu Honolulu Josh Green Waialua

Coverage Framing

8
Environmental(8)
Avg Factuality:82%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Mar 22 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
hawaii stormsfloodingdamageevacuationflash flood warnings
Environmental(1)
BBC News - WorldMar 22

Hawaii storms have caused $1bn in damage, governor says

Recent storms in Hawaii have caused an estimated $1 billion in damages, with some areas receiving over 50 inches of rain. The severe flooding, described as the worst since 2004, led to rescues, evacuations, and road closures across the state, particularly on Oahu and Maui. While some evacuation and flash flood warnings have been lifted, other areas remain under threat, with Maui expecting more rainfall. The Hawaii National Guard is monitoring the Wahiawa dam due to concerns about potential overflow. Residents have reported significant property loss, and officials are urging continued caution due to ongoing flooding and hazardous conditions.

MeasuredFactual7 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

The Hawaii National Guard remains stationed at the Wahiawa dam to monitor the water levels.

quote

"We've lost everything," Mikey said.

— Mikey

statistic

Hawaii's storm has already cost some $1bn in damages.

— officials

factual

Officials have said the flooding in the state is the worst since 2004.

— officials

prediction

Maui county is expecting eight to 10in of rain over the next couple of days.

— Green

Mar 22 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
floodinghawaiievacuationheavy rainsdamage
Environmental(1)
The Guardian - World NewsMar 22

Hawaii urges residents to ‘leave now’ amid worst flooding in over 20 years

Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in over 20 years, prompting officials to urge residents in hard-hit areas, particularly on Oahu's North Shore and parts of Maui, to evacuate. Heavy rains on already saturated soil have caused widespread flooding, damaging homes, roads, and other infrastructure. Approximately 5,500 people were under evacuation orders due to rising floodwaters and concerns about a dam's potential failure. Governor Josh Green estimates the storm damage could exceed $1 billion and has requested federal assistance. The flooding, which officials attribute to intense rainfall on saturated land, is considered the state's most severe since 2004.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Hawaii endures its worst flooding in more than 20 years.

quote

Officials urged people in hard-hit areas to “LEAVE NOW”.

factual

Evacuation orders were issued for 5,500 people north of Honolulu.

statistic

Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12in (20 to 30cm) of rain.

— National Weather Service

prediction

The cost of the storm could top $1bn, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes and a Maui hospital.

— Governor Josh Green

Mar 21 Evening

3 articles|3 sources
hawaiifloodingheavy rainsflash floodingemergency management
Environmental(3)
Al JazeeraMar 21

Flash flooding swamps Hawaii, prompting evacuation orders for 5,500 people

Heavy rains in Hawaii have caused severe flooding, prompting evacuation orders for approximately 5,500 people on Oahu's north shore. The Department of Emergency Management urged residents in areas like Waialua to evacuate immediately due to the risk of road failures. As of Saturday, at least 200 people have been rescued, and ten have been hospitalized for hypothermia. A youth camp was also evacuated, with 72 adults and children airlifted to safety. Governor Josh Green estimates the damage could exceed $1 billion, with more rain expected in the coming days, and the Hawaii National Guard is assisting with emergency efforts.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative
BBC News - WorldMar 21

Thousands evacuated as Hawaii faces worst flooding in 20 years

Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in 20 years after a severe storm brought 40-50 inches of rain to some areas over the past 10 days. The storm, the second severe weather event in a week, prompted Governor Josh Green to issue a statewide flood watch, particularly for Oahu and Maui County. Thousands have been evacuated, with over 230 rescued, as rising floodwaters damaged homes, roads, and infrastructure, potentially exceeding $1 billion in damages. Officials warned of a dam collapse risk on Oahu and urged residents to seek shelter and avoid flooded areas, as the already saturated ground increases the risk of further flooding. Flood watch warnings have been issued for Maui, Molokai and The Big Island.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative
South China Morning PostMar 21

Hawaii suffers worst flooding in 20 years, with more rain expected

Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in over two decades due to heavy rains falling on already saturated soil. The flooding, impacting areas like Oahu's North Shore, has led to the evacuation of 5,500 people and concerns about a potential dam failure. Homes and cars have been swept away by floodwaters. Governor Josh Green estimates the storm damage could exceed $1 billion, affecting infrastructure such as airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital. Officials warn that more rain is expected, potentially exacerbating the situation.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Oahu’s emergency office has ordered residents in the Waialua area to ‘leave now’ amid risk of road failures.

— Oahu’s Department of Emergency Management

factual

Evacuation orders are in effect for nearly 5,500 people in the region north of Honolulu.

factual

Ten people have been hospitalised with hypothermia after being plucked from the storm waters.

factual

72 adults and children were airlifted from Our Lady of Kea’au youth camp as a precaution.

— officials

factual

Hawaii remains under a statewide flood watch after a severe storm hit the state and prompted officials to order evacuations.

Mar 21 Morning

2 articles|2 sources
evacuationfloodwatersdam failurefloodingflash floods
Environmental(2)
Associated Press (AP)Mar 21

Hawaii suffers its worst flooding in 20 years and forecasters warn more rain is coming

Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in 20 years due to severe rains, primarily affecting towns north of Honolulu on Friday, March 20, 2026. Muddy floodwaters have inundated streets and communities, prompting evacuation orders for over 5,500 people. The flooding has swallowed vehicles and damaged homes, with debris seen against bridges. Officials are also concerned about the potential failure of a 120-year-old dam. Forecasters are warning that more rain is expected, potentially exacerbating the already critical situation.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative
The Guardian - World NewsMar 21

Thousands ordered to evacuate as Hawaii hit by severe flash floods

Severe flash floods in Oahu, Hawaii, triggered evacuation orders for over 5,500 people on Friday due to a powerful storm and the imminent failure of the Wahiawā dam. The dam's spillway was overflowing, prompting concerns of a potential collapse. Emergency crews, including the US Coast Guard and National Guard, rescued residents from rooftops and a youth camp. Rising waters damaged homes, particularly along Oahu's North Shore, and inundated roads, hindering evacuation efforts. A shelter at Waialua high school also had to be evacuated due to power loss. The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to respond to the flooding.

Mixed toneFactual7 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Muddy floodwaters inundated streets and swallowed vehicles.

— null

statistic

Evacuation orders were issued for more than 5,500 people in towns north of Honolulu.

— null

factual

Thousands ordered to evacuate as Hawaii hit by severe flash floods.

factual

Wahiawā dam on Oahu had water pouring over its spillway at 1,500 gallons a second on Friday morning.

statistic

More than 5,500 people were under evacuation orders.

Mar 20 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
floodingevacuationdam failurehawaiioahu
Environmental(1)
Associated Press (AP)Mar 20

Flooding along Oahu’s North Shore prompts evacuation order to over 4,000 people

Severe rains caused flooding on Oahu's North Shore on Friday, March 20, 2026, prompting an evacuation order for over 4,000 residents in towns north of Honolulu. Officials issued the "LEAVE NOW" order for Waialua and Haleiwa due to extremely dangerous flooding and concerns about the potential failure of the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam. Emergency sirens sounded as rising waters damaged homes. The evacuation was prompted by heavy rains from a recent storm and forecasts of more rain throughout the weekend. The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to assist with the flooding response.

Mixed toneFactual4 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Over 4,000 people were told to evacuate due to flooding in Hawaii.

— AP

factual

A "LEAVE NOW" evacuation order was issued at 5:35 a.m. Friday for Waialua and Haleiwa.

— Honolulu officials

quote

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said the Hawaii National Guard has been activated to respond to the flooding.

— Hawaii Gov. Josh Green

factual

Most of the state was under a flood watch, with northern Oahu under a flash flood warning.

— National Weather Service

factual

Officials warned of the possible failure of a 120-year-old dam.

— Honolulu officials