Oahu’s already-flooded North Shore under even greater threat as officials warn of possible dam failure

“It’s going to be a very touch-and-go day."

Disaster is unspooling across Oahu’s fabled North Shore as a wicked storm continues to lash surfing’s “Seven Mile Miracle.” Heavy rains have been falling for days leading to the worst flooding the island has had in 20 years. Gov. Josh Green has already shared damage might top $1 billion, many homes inundated with water or pushed off their foundations, but a worse nightmare could be on the way.

Officials are warning the 120-year-old Wahiwa dam is at risk of “imminent failure” and telling residents who live downstream to leave the area. Built in 1906 to increase sugar production, the dam collapsed in 1921 but was reconstructed thereafter. Water levels rose from 79 feet to 84 feet in under 24 hours. Six more feet and the structure won’t hold.

Pineapple giant Dole, which maintains the damn now released a simple statement reading, “The dam continues to operate as designed with no indications of damage.” 

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi declared some 5,500 people are under evacuation orders, sharing, “There’s no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic.” Though less bullish that the dam will, in fact, fail, he admitted he had no idea what even more rain would do.

The Weather Channel is calling for more rain today, though partial clearing throughout next week. Taking to social media, Gov. Green opined, “It’s going to be a very touch-and-go day.”