Evacuations ordered in Hawaii due to flooding threat

Hawaii officials have declared a state of emergency and ordered evacuations for parts of the islands following severe rains in the area and widespread flooding. 

Gov. David Ige (D) gave the order Tuesday after a dam overflowed on the island of Maui, causing substantial damage to homes and other personal property in the area, Reuters reported. 

“The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather,” Ige said.

Torrential rains are expected to continue through the rest of the week, and the state is keeping its flood advisory in place for the time being. 

The Department of Emergency Management in Honolulu has ordered evacuations in small towns just to the north of the state’s biggest city while the state of emergency is in place in the counties of Hawai’i, Maui, Kalawao, O’ahu and Kaua’i, the outlet reported. 

Local news reported at least two people have been swept away during the flooding this week, one of whom was rescued by emergency responders and another who is reportedly still missing. 

Heavy rains damaged roads in Maui, Reuters reported, and one bridge was washed out and another destroyed.