Oahu's Haleiwa Town Submerged After Torrential Rain, Flooding

The town of Haleiwa on Hawaii’s Oahu Island was underwater on March 9, following official warnings of “life-threatening” and “catastrophic” flash flooding from torrential rains.

Local residents were ordered to evacuate the area on the previous day after the National Weather Service observed increasing water levels in the Opaeula stream, describing the event as a “flash flood emergency” and adding that residents should evacuate even if it wasn’t raining where they were.

The orders were largely heeded, and Haleiwa homes and businesses were emptied within an hour, according to Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov David Ige signed an emergency proclamation for the state, so funds could be made quickly available for those impacted by the rains and flooding.

Drone footage filmed by Hans Schippers shows flooded roadways and property in Haleiwa on March 9. Credit: Hans Schippers via Storyful