Hawaii faces the worst floods in the last 20 years, evacuate thousands of people

This is the second heavy storm that hits the archipelago within the last week, causing damage that could exceed $1 billion (745 million pounds), according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiard.

More than 230 people have been saved so far, Blgiard said at a press conference Friday. In the early hours of Saturday, heavy clouds continued, reports BBCI'll follow the Express.

Authorities warned that a dam in Oahu, the most populated island of state, is in danger of collapse. Blgiard called on residents of “stay secure” and “take the storm as seriously as possible”.

Speaking at Friday's press conference, Governor Josh Green said there were no victims reported by the storms and praised the emergency workers for their efforts to keep people safe.

The rising flood waters have established homes and cars, while evacuation orders have been given for about 5,500 people north of the state capital, Honolulu. Numerous roads have been closed on islands.

The Emergency Management Department in Honolulu has issued several warnings of immediate flooding and has called on residents to move to higher areas and avoid flooded areas.

Warnings of flood danger have also been issued to Maui, Molokai and Big Island.

Green said the storm would have serious consequences for us as state”, as it has caused major damage at airports, schools, roads and hospitals, as well as in people's homes.

This is the biggest flood we've had in Hawaii in the last 20 years,” he said at the press conference.

The governor called on residents to seek housing and collection areas across the state.

The islands are under the influence of a “Kona Low”, a low-pressure area that moves slowly and pulls wet and warm air over the islands of Hawaii, bringing heavy rainfall and flash floods.

Some areas have recorded more than 10 inches (25 cm) of rainfall and winds up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).

The worst part of the weather has already passed, although heavy rainfall and storms are expected to continue in Hawaii over the weekend and early next week.

The storm is the most recent challenge for islands, which often face the effects of natural disasters, such as fires in Lahaina in 2023, that left more than 100 victims. /Periscopi