Extreme Weather and Infrastructure Risk

Historic storms produced Hawaii’s worst flooding in about 20 years, dumping localized totals of 8–16 inches in a day and, in some areas, several feet over the week, prompting evacuation orders for more than 4,000 people (as many as about 5,500 in some reports) after the 120‑year‑old Wahiawa Dam was judged at risk of imminent failure and floodwaters swept homes and vehicles away. Rescue teams — including the National Guard, airlifts and water rescues — saved over 200 people (72 airlifted from a youth camp), thousands experienced power outages and flooded shelters, and officials estimate total storm costs could top $1 billion while damage assessments continue and no deaths have been reported so far.