US Kona Storm: The island of Oahu in the US state of Hawaii is currently facing the terrible havoc of nature. Come on Friday ‘Kona’ The storm and subsequent flash floods have disrupted life across the region. According to the local administration, this is the worst flood in the last 20 years which has caused massive damage to infrastructure.

Heavy damage and flood

Due to the storm, the water level rose so rapidly in the darkness of the night that people did not even get a chance to recover. Muddy water took over the roads and many vehicles were washed away like straw. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that the loss due to this disaster is estimated to be more than 1 billion dollars (about Rs 8300 crore). According to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blanziardi, hundreds of homes were damaged, although an accurate assessment of the damage is still ongoing.

Concern increased about the dam

The biggest threat amid floods has arisen regarding a local dam. Due to heavy rains, the water level of the dam rose from 79 feet to 84 feet within just 24 hours, which was only 6 feet less than its maximum capacity. Although at present there has been a slight decline in the water level, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning of more rain in the coming days, due to which the danger of dam breaking is not over yet.

Large scale rescue operations

Considering the seriousness of the disaster, the administration has ordered about 5,500 people to move to safe places. So far, rescue teams have evacuated more than 230 people safely through air and water. It is a matter of relief that till now no one has been reported dead or missing but 10 people have had to be admitted to the hospital due to hypothermia.

Obstacles and current situation in relief operations

Relief teams faced difficulties due to some people flying drones during rescue operations, after which officials have appealed for cooperation. The impact of the flood was so widespread that even a relief camp set up at Waialua High and Intermediate School had to be evacuated and people and their pets shifted to another place. The weather service has maintained a flash flood warning for the Haleiwa and Waialua areas of Oahu.